At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in servicing and repairing cutting-edge rail technology.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a leader in innovative rail solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry with modern technology.
- Qualifications: HNC in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
The predicted salary is between 49590 - 49590 £ per year.
Hitachi Rail has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Technician to join our Neville Hill Outstations team in Leeds.
Salary: £49,590 plus 15% shift allowance. Permanent contract.
Accountabilities
As a Lead Technician you will take ownership of servicing, complex fault diagnosis, and repair of Hitachi Rail rolling stock assets, ensuring the highest standards of reliability and performance. You will be part of a small, high‑performing, supportive team where collaboration and accountability are key. The role involves occasional lone working and a structured shift pattern of days and nights, requiring flexibility. This is a Safety Critical role and the successful candidate must reside within one hour’s travel of the Neville Hill depot.
Responsibilities
- Adhere to health, safety, environmental & quality practices in the workplace
- Maintain the condition of the work site, materials and equipment
- Prepare for and undertake planned and unplanned maintenance activities
- Confirm that traction and rolling stock assets comply with operational specifications by the use of engineering processes and techniques
- Read and extract information from traction and rolling stock drawings and specifications
- Prepare for and undertake the removal and replacement of traction and rolling stock components
- Modify or manufacture traction and rolling stock components by material removal using hand tools
- Assemble traction and rolling stock components using engineering processes and techniques
- Install new traction and rolling stock components using engineering processes and techniques
- Identify, assess and rectify defects and discrepancies on Hitachi rolling stock assets
- Identify repeat defects on Hitachi Rail UK rolling stock assets and suggest / carry out repairs
- Create technical scopes of work for fault rectification by other members of staff
- Support reliability technicians with regards to reliability improvements to rolling stock assets
- Attend and provide technical support with failures in service when on duty
- Provide operational support to users of Hitachi Rail UK rolling stock assets
- Keep SAP record system up to date with clear and concise information of work carried out
- Develop professionally and support good working relationships
- Learn new skills in accordance with Hitachi Rail UK new business demands as required
- Liaise with Hitachi Rail UK and external stakeholders as required to complete the duties of the post
About You
Required Skills / Knowledge
- Manual Handling certification
- Experience of working with high voltage electrics
- Valid UK Driving Licence
- Strong knowledge of relevant rail and health & safety regulations
- IT proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Rolling stock maintenance and fault‑finding experience
- Crimping competence and assessment qualification
Education / Qualifications
- HNC in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering or a completed apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in an Engineering discipline
Behavioural
- Able to represent Hitachi Rail UK in a professional manner at all times
- Team‑orientated individual
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Sound knowledge of, and compliance to, rules and regulations (Rail, HR)
Desired Skills (not Essential)
- Experience within the rail sector
- Designated Person qualification (or equivalent)
- Network Rail Sentinel PTS certification
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday
- Potential opportunity for annual performance‑related bonus
- Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance
- Personal Accident insurance
- Group Income protection
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
Additional Benefits of the Role
- Structured shift pattern: Days & Nights
- Work‑life balance with regular time off and only 2 weekends in 4 worked
- Opportunity to work on new, modern rolling stock fleets
- Be part of a small, skilled, and supportive team
- Exposure to cutting‑edge rail technology and innovation
- Opportunities for continuous learning and career development
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and worldview. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Lead Technician in Leeds employer: Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme. Our work culture prioritises collaboration and accountability within a supportive team environment, while also providing opportunities for continuous learning and career development in the innovative field of rail technology. Located in Leeds, our structured shift patterns ensure a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for skilled technicians to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technician in Leeds
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Hitachi Rail.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Hitachi Rail love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Hitachi Rail and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technician in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Hitachi Rail and the Lead Technician role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Rail
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Hitachi Rail.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Hitachi Rail.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Hitachi Rail, making you a more appealing candidate.
