Technician [Welding & Grinding] - Hither Green

Network Rail; Greater London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Defined benefit pension

Rail/underground season ticket subsidy

Hybrid working arrangements

Healthcare scheme

Job summary

Network Rail in London is seeking a skilled Technician – Welding & Grinding to support the Welding & Grinding team at Hither Green. You will perform precision welding and grinding, diagnose faults, and ensure maintenance is carried out to high standards, while occasionally leading the team.

This is a safety-critical role requiring vigilance and teamwork. The position is full-time with shifts across days, nights, and weekends, outdoors in all weather.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning and implementing safe systems of work.
• Knowledge of welding and grinding techniques for rail maintenance.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to drive.
• NVQ Level 1 or 2 (or equivalent experience).

Responsibilities

• Deliver work safely and efficiently in line with approved systems, standards, and procedures.
• Carry out welding and grinding activities to maintain rail integrity and performance.
• Diagnose faults and perform corrective maintenance on track components.
• Ensure tools, vehicles, and equipment are fit for use and properly maintained.
• Accurately report completed work and maintain essential records.

Skills

Welding

Grinding

Safety systems

Team player

Driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 1/2

Tools

Specialist welding equipment

Job description

Who We Are

Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.

Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key- and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.

Technician – Welding & Grinding: Forge the Future of Rail!

Location: Hither Green

Salary: £38482 (Standard Maintenance Contract)

Hours: Full-Time

Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role)

About The Role

We're looking for a motivated and safety-focused individual to join our Welding & Grinding team. In this role, you'll support the Team Leader in organising and motivating the team, ensuring work is delivered safely and to the highest standards. You'll be responsible for carrying out precision welding, grinding, fault correction, and preventative maintenance-while occasionally stepping up to lead the team when required.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver work safely and efficiently in line with approved systems, standards, and procedures.
• Carry out welding and grinding activities to maintain rail integrity and performance.
• Diagnose faults and perform corrective maintenance on track components.
• Ensure tools, vehicles, and equipment are fit for use and properly maintained.
• Accurately report completed work and maintain essential records.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in planning and implementing safe systems of work.
• Strong team player with the ability to embed a culture of safety within your team.
• Knowledge of welding and grinding techniques for rail maintenance.
• Relevant competencies for the role (or willingness to achieve them), and ideally NVQ Level 1 or 2 (or equivalent experience).
• A valid driving licence and willingness to drive.

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Familiarity with industry standards, procedures, and instructions.
• Experience with specialist welding and grinding equipment.

Important Info

Shifts include days, nights, and weekends.

Outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Safety-critical role: drug/alcohol testing, medical checks, hearing and eyesight tests.

Must live within 60 minutes of your depot.

Perks That Pack a Punch

• We offer excellent benefits, including:
• Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
• Up to 75% off leisure travel.
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
• Carer's leave to support those who matter.
• Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.

Plus, more....

We’re All About Inclusion

We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you’re from - if you’ve got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Safety and Compliance

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.

Drugs and Alcohol Standard

All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5-year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.