Technician [Welding & Grinding] in Birmingham

Overview

Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure. Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter. When you’re part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions. We’re continuing to build a more diverse and inclusive organisation which is representative of the passengers we serve. To do this, it’s essential we become a more open, diverse and inclusive organisation, harnessing the skills and expertise of all our people and attracting the best talent to help us have a safe, accessible railway for everyone. We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone.

About the Route

We are Central route. We are the Heart of Britain’s Railway. More than a million people rely on us every week, and we help transport nearly a million tonnes of freight every month. We are a catalyst for jobs and opportunities, a connection to leisure and time with family and friends, and a foundation for communities and neighbourhoods. We are a key part of the national network, with Birmingham New Street – the busiest station outside of London and the hub of the railway – connecting England, Scotland and Wales, with hundreds of services arriving and leaving every day.

About The Role

What does a Technician Welding and Grinding do? Do you have practical experience of electric arc welding which is used to join metal to metal by using electricity? Do you have experience using abrasive wheels? Here at Network Rail, we utilise both welding and grinding as crucial methods for maintaining and repairing rail infrastructure. Welding techniques, such as thermite, are used to join rail sections or repair damaged areas, while grinding removes material from the railhead to maintain track quality and extend rail lifespan. We also carry out hand grinding to achieve the same results.

What is Thermite welding? This method uses a chemical reaction between aluminum and iron oxide to produce molten metal, which is then used to join rail ends. It is a strong and reliable process for repairing rail sections.

As a Technician for Welding and Grinding, you’ll work as part of a team and be responsible for inspecting, fault-finding, and maintaining our assets using welding and grinding techniques. In addition, you will provide support to the Team Leader to organise and motivate the team so that work is undertaken safely, efficiently and to the relevant standards. Technicians work outdoors in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night and weekends. You’ll be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit across challenging terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you’ll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed. We will give you all the training and competencies you require so you can fully succeed in your role and have a fulfilling career within the Welding and Grinding discipline. Please note you must live within a 60 minute radius from the location stated on this advert.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Experience of arranging and implementing safe systems of work.
• Knowledge of how to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work.
• Able to demonstrate, promote and embed safe working behaviours within the team.
• Able to lead, motivate and direct a team.
• Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of welding and grinding inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques.
• Conversant with standards, procedures and instructions.
• Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by business need.
• Ideally hold (or be working towards) an NVQ level 1 or 2 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or have attained an appropriate level of knowledge through equivalent relevant experience.
• Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need.

How To Apply

Salary: £37,073 per annum. Closing date: 15/02/2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of a range of pre-employment checks. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.