Trainee Signals Maintainer / Technician

KiwiRail Freight; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training provided

Career progression

Job security

Travel opportunities

Team culture

Job summary

KiwiRail is offering a Trainee Signals Maintainer / Technician role focused on maintaining, installing, and repairing signalling assets across New Zealand's rail network. You will gain hands-on training in electrical, mechanical, and safety-critical systems as you work with experienced technicians.

Qualifications include NCEA Level 1 in Maths, English and Science, plus valid driving licences and a first aid certificate.

Qualifications

• Hands-on training role for signalling maintenance, installation and repair.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical diagrams.
• Commitment to safety and engineering standards in a field environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair signalling equipment.
• Read and interpret electrical and mechanical diagrams.
• Use specialised tools to diagnose faults.
• Travel to different sites to support the network.

Skills

Safety focus

Team player

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

NCEA Level 1 Maths/English/Science

First aid/CPR certificate

Tools

EWRB Licence

Class 1 Driver's Licence

Class 2 Driver's Licence

First aid/CPR certificate

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Title: Trainee Signals Maintainer / Technician

At KiwiRail, we’re dedicated to connecting New Zealand sustainably. Our rail network plays a crucial role in moving goods and people safely and efficiently, and our Signals Team is at the heart of it all. We take pride in working together to deliver a reliable network while prioritising safety and innovation.

As a Trainee Signals Technician / Maintainer, you’ll be responsible for maintaining, installing, and repairing KiwiRail’s signalling assets to keep our rail operations running safely. You’ll work with experienced technicians, gaining hands‑on training to develop your skills in electrical, mechanical, and safety‑critical systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Install, maintain, and repair signalling equipment.
• Read and interpret electrical and mechanical diagrams.
• Use specialised tools to diagnose and fix faults.
• Ensure compliance with KiwiRail’s safety and engineering standards.
• Travel to different sites as needed to support the network.

This is a hands‑on role where every day is different, and you’ll be part of a team that plays a key role in keeping New Zealand moving.

We’re looking for team players with a great work ethic and a commitment to safety.

Please note: A Trainee Signals Technician must hold a valid EWRB Licence, but this is not required for a Trainee Signals Maintainer.

• A strong focus on safety and attention to detail.
• Physical fitness to work in a hands‑on, outdoor environment.
• The ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
• NCEA Level 1 in Maths, English, and Science (or equivalent).
• Full Class 1 driver’s licence.
• Willingness to learn and complete training courses.
• Experience in electrical, mechanical, or labouring work.
• Full Class 2 driver’s licence.
• A current first aid/CPR certificate.

This is a structured training role, with progression opportunities as you gain experience and complete qualifications.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Full training provided – no prior rail experience needed.
• Competitive pay and career progression – work towards becoming a fully qualified Signals Technician.
• Job security – be part of an essential industry that keeps New Zealand moving.
• Opportunities to travel – work across different sites and locations.
• A strong team culture – work with supportive colleagues who prioritise safety and teamwork.