Job Description Job Description:
Rail Team Leader Employment Type: Permanent Department: Operations Reporting to: Production Manager Location: Depot People Management: No formal line management responsibility Safety Critical Role: Yes Working Pattern: Shift work, including days, nights and weekends Travel Requirements: Occasional travel, if required Driving Licence:
Required
Role Summary CAF Rail UK is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Rail Team Leader to join its team, supporting a fleet of brand-new, state-of-the-art trains. This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful business at the forefront of rail technology, offering the chance to develop your career within an organisation built on strong principles and over 100 years of industry-leading experience.
The successful candidate will have extensive technical knowledge of on-board train systems, with a strong emphasis on fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis. They will provide technical guidance and support to technicians, coordinate warranty repairs and help ensure that fleet availability, reliability and safety targets are consistently achieved.
The role requires a proactive individual with strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, who can prioritise work effectively and operate confidently in a safety-critical railway environment.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise and coordinate the activities of a small team of CAF Rail UK technicians. Carry out fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis across all on-board train systems. Provide technical support, guidance and assistance to technicians when required. Use electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematics, test and measurement equipment, and diagnostic software to identify and resolve faults. Plan, organise and coordinate warranty repairs to ensure work is completed efficiently and effectively.
Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to support train availability, reliability and performance targets. Assess, prioritise and classify work according to safety requirements, operational urgency and the impact on train performance. Undertake electrical and mechanical fault-finding activities, including wiring inspections and associated repair tasks. Monitor technician competence and conduct competency assessments in line with applicable standards and requirements.
Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with relevant safety procedures, technical standards and company requirements. Support the continuous improvement of maintenance processes, fault resolution and overall fleet performance. Technical Knowledge and Expertise The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong working knowledge of on-board train systems, including: Large diesel engines and transmissions.
High-voltage electrical systems. Traction and braking systems. Passenger door systems. Passenger Information Systems (PIS) and Public Address (PA) systems. CCTV systems. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS). High-pressure pneumatic systems. Electrical wiring, mechanical systems and associated components. Essential Qualifications and Experience NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in a relevant electrical or mechanical discipline.
Substantial post-qualification experience in a relevant technical or engineering environment. Proven experience in fault finding, diagnostics and root cause analysis. Experience using technical schematics, test and measurement equipment, and diagnostic software. Ability to interpret electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic schematic diagrams. Strong technical understanding of complex electrical and mechanical systems. Experience providing technical support to colleagues and coordinating maintenance or repair activities.
Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively. A valid driving licence. Flexibility to work shifts, including days, nights and weekends. Candidates with experience in the rail, automotive or aerospace industries will be considered.
Desirable
Skills and Experience Previous experience working with modern rail vehicles and integrated on-board systems. Experience coordinating warranty repairs and working towards fleet availability and reliability targets. Experience monitoring technical competence and conducting competency assessments. Spanish language skills. CAF Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate the following CAF competencies: Driving for Results: Delivering work efficiently and achieving agreed safety, quality and performance objectives.
Adapting to Change: Responding positively to changing priorities, operational demands and new technologies. Acting with
Integrity: Maintaining high standards of professionalism, honesty and safety. Building and Supporting Teams: Providing technical guidance and encouraging effective teamwork.
Critical Thinking: Analysing faults, identifying root causes and making sound technical decisions.
Serving Customers: Supporting service reliability, train availability and operational performance.
Displaying Technical Expertise: Applying specialist engineering knowledge to diagnose faults and resolve complex technical issues.
Additional Requirements
This is a permanent, safety-critical, depot-based position requiring a strong commitment to safe working practices, technical accuracy and operational excellence. The successful candidate must be available to work a rotating shift pattern, including nights and weekends, and undertake occasional travel when required.
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