At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in servicing and diagnosing faults on cutting-edge rail technology.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in digital transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HNC in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49590 - 49590 £ per year.
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Job ID: R0127444
Date Posted: 2026-06-02
Company Name: Hitachi Rail UK Limited
Profession (Job Category): Production & Skilled Trades
Job Schedule: Full time
Remote: No
About Us
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.
Job Description
Hitachi Rail have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Technician to join our Neville Hill Outstations team in Leeds.
Salary: £49,590 + 15% Shift allowance
Permanent contract
Accountabilities
- Take ownership of servicing, complex fault diagnosis, and repair of Hitachi Rail rolling stock assets, ensuring the highest standards of reliability and performance.
- Join a small, high-performing and supportive team where collaboration and accountability are key.
- 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; 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.
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
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.
Lead Technician in Leeds employer: Hitachi
Hitachi Rail UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme. Located in Leeds, our work culture promotes collaboration within a small, high-performing team, providing opportunities for continuous learning and career development while working on cutting-edge rail technology. We prioritise employee wellbeing and work-life balance, ensuring that our staff enjoy regular time off and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Technician in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Hitachi Rail on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Lead Technician role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your experience with rolling stock maintenance and fault-finding confidently. We want to see your passion for the rail industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! Since this role involves collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlighting your ability to support and learn from others will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Hitachi Rail family.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Technician in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Technician role. Highlight your experience with rolling stock maintenance and fault-finding, as well as any relevant qualifications like your HNC in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around servicing and complex fault diagnosis.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key in our small team, make sure to mention your ability to work well with others. Share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated on projects or supported colleagues in achieving goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of rolling stock maintenance and fault-finding. Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and processes used at Hitachi Rail, as well as relevant health and safety regulations. This will show that you're not just a good technician, but also someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a small team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success in the past, and highlight your ability to support and communicate effectively with colleagues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to high voltage electrics and engineering processes. Brush up on your skills and be ready to explain your thought process when diagnosing faults or performing maintenance tasks. Practising common scenarios can help you articulate your expertise clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Hitachi Rail is the right fit for you.
