Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer

Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. We’ve been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains. As a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future, we’ve invested over £3.5bn in new rolling stock and we’re actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead. Since 2020, this includes over £550 million in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure. Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we’ve been named the global sector leader in the annual GRESB sustainability assessment for the last four years.

Our teams are leading some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the railway today at our offices in Derby and London, and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire. The 135-acre site is an invaluable asset for the railway to test and trial new traction technologies. The Porterbrook group of companies is wholly owned by supportive long-term institutional investors, fully committed to the future of the UK rail sector.

About the team

We have over 100 engineers and fleet support staff working directly on our passenger fleets, alongside experienced key relationship managers with a deep understanding of our customers' needs and expectations on their existing fleets, and investment in new rolling stock.

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer, to join the Porterbrook team.

Role Purpose

To act as Technical Expert on ETCS and key train electrical systems, providing internal engineering consultancy, project partnering and expert engineering advice to Fleet Services, Engineering Services, external stakeholders and the wider business – including Projects, Strategy & Sustainability, new build procurement and Long Marston.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Porterbrook’s centre of expertise for electrical & ETCS systems on Traction & rolling-stock.
• Lead or support technical investigations into equipment failures, support complex warranty claims and joint investigations.
• Act as a technical project partner for allocated projects (ie. complex or innovative projects), in support of wider business objectives.
• Lead internal technical consultancy workstreams, including the management and coordination of external consultants and suppliers.
• Lead and act as project manager for assigned workstreams with an electrical systems focus.
• Investigate assigned National Incident Reports and identify, lead and manage appropriate remedial actions.
• Support Fleet Platform Strategy team in delivering strategic fleet solutions.
• Maintain market awareness of new products & developments, and evaluate on behalf of the wider business.
• Build relationships with existing suppliers and any new players in the supply chain.
• Lead or support product development and obsolescence management.
• Support and provide input to Porterbrook’s Digital Services team.
• Attend, inform or support on specific technical workstreams as required.
• Regularly report on progress on owned workstreams.
• Lead and review as appropriate engineering change proposals raised by suppliers, customers or internally.
• Represent Porterbrook at relevant cross-industry forums and working groups.
• Promote and support a culture of safety at all times and in all work locations.

Other Duties:

• Coordinate and monitor the activities of external consultants and suppliers.
• Support graduates, year in industry students and work experience students placed in the Technical Services team.

Skills / Experience

• Railway knowledge with appropriate Traction and Rolling Stock technical experience of at least 5 years.
• Ideally Chartered or Incorporated Membership of Engineering Institution or working towards this goal.
• Degree, HNC or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a similar discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of ETCS and electrical systems.
• Good knowledge of railway industry rolling stock, organisation and players.
• Knowledge of standards and legislation.
• Knowledge of rail leasing and commercial environment is desirable.
• Ability to understand and comment upon engineering instructions, drawings and schematics.
• Understanding of whole life costs of trains and systems.
• Knowledge of remote condition monitoring systems and how they are used in rail.
• Awareness of infrastructure, electrification and train maintenance facilities is desirable.

It would be great if you also had

• Ability to plan, manage and deliver to meet business objectives.
• Open-minded to new ideas and new ways of working.
• Well organised with an eye for detail.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Financial and budgeting awareness.
• Team player.
• Interpersonal capability / relationship management.
• Ability to work in accordance with Porterbrook’s procedures.
• Computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office applications).

A great place to work

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers.

In recognition of this we have been awarded:

• Investors in People Gold accreditation.
• Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Gold accreditation.
• National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year.
• National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year.

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits.

Some of our benefits are listed below:

• 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme.
• Financial wellbeing support.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits.
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development.
• Long service awards.
• 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave.
• Additional days annual leave for long service.
• Season ticket loan.

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

Accessibility

We’re committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk.

To apply

Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.

This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

What happens next?

Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact. Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team.