At a Glance
- Tasks: Perform maintenance on Class 800 trains and support continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in digital transformation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and flexible perks tailored to your lifestyle.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values collaboration and creativity while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in rolling stock maintenance and strong safety awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 43696 - 50251 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
Job ID: R0132304
Date Posted: 2026-06-24
Company Name: Hitachi Rail UK Limited
Profession (Job Category): Other
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. 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.
Job Description
Here at Hitachi Rail, we have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic self-motivated Maintenance Technician who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to strategic.
Plymouth - Laira Salary: £43,696 + 15% Shift allowance
This is a permanent role working on a rotating day and night shift basis.
Accountabilities
- Perform scheduled maintenance activities on the rolling stock in accordance with the vehicle maintenance instructions.
- Undertake servicing and preparation of the rolling stock.
- Undertake driving duties within depot confines in accordance with the depot operating procedures and instructions.
- Actively participate in the ongoing continuous improvement activities for maintenance processes and maintenance procedures that support all depot and fleet activities.
- Support the delivery of new trains and undertake the maintenance acceptance processes.
- Ensure exam tasks are being completed in a timely manner, undertake basic fault rectification or repair when required.
- Adherence to all health and safety processes and procedures.
- Attendance at testing locations, main line station and outstations to undertake preventative and corrective maintenance as required.
- Must be prepared to travel and overnight away from base location for short periods of time.
- Support the Maintenance Team Leaders and Shift Production Managers in the delivery of the production plan.
- Record all work activities and stock consumption using the maintenance management system in accordance with maintenance processes and procedures.
- Working shifts to meet the service requirements of fleet customers.
- Assist as required with any other responsibilities relevant to the role based on localised requirements.
About you
Required Skills/ Knowledge
- Experience of working a 24/7 shift roster in a modern rolling stock maintenance depot environment.
- Outstanding Safety Awareness gained in an operational railway engineering environment.
- Experience of working at stabling outstations or main line station technical support.
- Modern fault finding and repair techniques using pc-based laptops and remote train diagnostics.
- Reading electrical, pneumatic, mechanical schematics and drawings.
- Extensive experience of modern maintenance management systems (MMS) and associated reliability and available trend analysis.
- Experience of performing modifications and campaigns on modern rolling stock.
Education/Qualifications
- Served apprenticeship with mechanical, electrical disciplines OR Engineering based NVQ level 2.
Behavioural
- Calm and diplomatic under pressure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Able to interface effectively with all levels of personnel both within and outside the company.
- Loyal, committed, confident and determined.
Desired Skills (not essential)
- Ability to investigate complex electrical and mechanical faults and write detailed reports.
- Intermediate IT skills – typically Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook.
- Train driving, Fire warden, First Aider.
- Powered plant and tools – bogie drop, cranes, air systems / 110v tools.
- Train driving assessment and licence.
- Depot Protection.
- Working at Height, COSHH, Manual handling, AC/DC Depot isolation.
- Network Rail Sentinel PTS.
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.
We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.
Closing date for applications is 12th July 2026.
Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at Hitachi Rail Careers.
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.
We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at Hitachi Rail LinkedIn.
Maintenance Technician employer: Hitachi
Hitachi Rail UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Plymouth that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The company values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful projects in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Technician
✨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.
✨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 love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Hitachi 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 Maintenance Technician
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 and the Maintenance 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
✨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.
✨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.
✨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, making you a more appealing candidate.
