Lead Technician in Leeds

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting‑edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi‑cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.

Hitachi Rail have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Technician to join our Neville Hill Outstations team in Leeds. Salary: £51,673, 15% Shift allowance, Permanent contract.

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 joining a small, high‑performing and supportive team where every member plays a vital role, consisting of a team of Lead Technicians and a Team Leader, where collaboration and accountability are key. Due to the nature of the role, there will occasionally be elements of lone working.

As part of the Lead Technician team, you will carry out both planned and reactive maintenance on a structured shift pattern of days and nights. Flexibility is essential. This is a Safety Critical role, and to support the wellbeing of our employees, the successful candidate must reside within one hour’s travel of the Neville Hill depot.

Specifically, you will be responsible for the following deliverables:

• 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 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
• Liaison with Hitachi Rail UK and external stakeholders as required to complete the duties of the post

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

We value the importance of all of our employees, if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to:

• 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 world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.