Signalling is how we keep trains moving safely across the railway. As a Signaller, you’ll use specialist equipment and systems to control train movements, protect people working on or near the track, and respond to operational issues as they happen.
Specifics of this role
How to become a Signaller:
As this is a safety critical role, we need to make sure you’ve got what it takes. As part of the application, you’ll need to:
- Undergo online psychometric testing and video interviews at the application stage to see if you’ve got the right skills and behaviours.
- Verify your right to live and work in the UK.
- Check your travel distance from the role location – we do not accept relocators, so you’ll need to be within 60 minutes travel distance of DG4 6JT and hold a driving licence. This is because of working time regulations and fatigue standards.
- Attend an Assessment Day which will include an interview and a job simulation exercise.
About the role and the location:
- This role sits in the Scotland ROUTE.
- You will be based in: Kirkconnel signal box
- Once qualified you will be operating a lever frame in an Absolute Block Signal box.
- Our railway is always open. This means that you’ll need to be able to work shifts which will include nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Pay and benefits:
- This is a full-time and permanent opportunity.
- Your salary will be: £36,196.
- Once fully competent, you’ll have the opportunity to work overtime.
- We have a generous pension scheme and benefits at Network Rail. There’ll be opportunities for overtime working.
What does a Signaller do?
You’ll manage train movements across your area and respond to what’s happening in real time. Your work could include:
- controlling the safe movement of trains
- communicating with train drivers, controllers and maintenance teams
- arranging safe access to the track for colleagues
- responding to faults, delays, incidents or emergencies
- keeping accurate records, logs and reports
- staying focused during routine operations and high‑pressure situations
The role involves shift work, including nights, weekends and bank holidays. Some roles involve lone working, others are based in larger signalling centres or Rail Operating Centres.
Role & responsibilities
We use a grading system (Grades 2-9) to differentiate between our Signaller roles as the operational complexity varies significantly between different signalling locations.
Lower graded roles are typically located in smaller signalling locations with less complexity and frequency of train movements. This could mean working on rural, branch or simpler suburban areas with fewer routes, points and signals. The level of responsibility and core signalling skills remain high, but the pace of work can be less intense with simpler panels and signalling equipment involved.
Signalling is safety‑critical work. You don’t need railway experience, but you do need the right mindset: calm, focused, reliable and ready to take responsibility.
Every shift is different. You’ll be trained to make clear decisions, communicate accurately and manage the movement of trains safely when situations change and disruptions happen.
Age; You need to be 18 or over to apply for all our Operations roles. There is no upper age limit.
Right to work; These roles are not eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship.
Whatever your role you’ll get a personal development plan from day one. As you grow with us there will lots of opportunities to keep learning. From professional development to mentor programmes, industry secondments to funded professional subscriptions, development at Network Rail is built around you.
Discounts
From gym memberships to shopping, wellbeing apps to cycle to work schemes. Whatever you like doing outside of work there’s a discount for it in our benefits platform.
Pension
It’s not just your future at Network Rail we’ll support you with. We’ll help you to prepare for life after work, with free financial advice and a choice of three pensions.
There’s a whole rail network waiting for you. You’ll get 75% off your season ticket to work and leisure travel for you and your family.
Signalling Recruitment
The path to becoming a Signaller takes time and commitment, with each stage designed to assess your suitability for this safety‑critical role.
We’ll keep the process clear from the start. Each stage helps us understand your suitability for the role, while giving you a better sense of what to expect from working in railway operations.
Grade 2 Signaller in Kirkconnel employer: NETWORK RAIL
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