At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Track Maintenance team to keep the railway running smoothly and safely.
- Company: Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, travel discounts, and health perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's journeys while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in track maintenance and a strong safety focus.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and an inclusive environment await you!
The predicted salary is between 31502 - 37073 £ per year.
Join the Southern Region – where your work truly matters. Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key—and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys.
We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Technician – Track Maintenance: Keep the Railway on Track!
Location: Southampton
Salary: Starting from £31,502 (IMC20) or IMC25 £37,073
Hours: Full-Time
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role)
We’re looking for a motivated and safety-focused individual to join our Track Maintenance team. In this role, you’ll support the Team Leader in organising and motivating the team, ensuring work is delivered safely and to the highest standards. You’ll be responsible for inspecting track assets, diagnosing faults, performing maintenance, and carrying out renewal work—while occasionally stepping up to lead the team when required.
What You’ll Do
- Deliver work safely and efficiently in line with approved systems, standards, and procedures.
- Carry out inspections, maintenance, and fault-finding on track infrastructure to keep the network running smoothly.
- Ensure tools, vehicles, and equipment are fit for use and properly maintained.
- Accurately report completed work and maintain essential records.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in planning and implementing safe systems of work.
- Strong team player with the ability to embed a culture of safety within your team.
- Knowledge of track maintenance techniques, including inspection, faulting, and renewal.
- Relevant competencies for the role (or willingness to achieve them), and ideally NVQ Level 1 or 2 (or equivalent experience).
- A valid driving licence and willingness to drive.
What Will Help You Stand Out
- Familiarity with industry standards, procedures, and instructions.
- Experience with specialist track maintenance equipment and techniques.
Important Information
This is a safety-critical role, which means you’ll need to pass a medical assessment and be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Your role will involve working days, nights, and weekends, so flexibility is essential.
Perks
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- Rail and underground season ticket subsidies and travel discounts.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave and Carer’s leave.
- Healthcare scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work, and more.
- Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Inclusion
We are committed to an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and identities. If you’re passionate about safety, leadership and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
How To Apply
Closing date: 5 February 2026
The recruitment process for this role is competency-based. We are committed to an inclusive environment and welcome applications from everyone. Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and will adapt the process to support people with disabilities. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safety is a requirement of working for Network Rail. All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test.
Technician - Track Maintenance (Southampton) employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician - Track Maintenance (Southampton)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Network Rail and their values. Understanding their mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work in the Track Maintenance team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for competency-based questions. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in safety, teamwork, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Network Rail family.
We think you need these skills to ace Technician - Track Maintenance (Southampton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safety: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your commitment to safety. This role is all about keeping the railway safe and efficient, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your focus on safety in previous jobs or projects.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills—give examples! Talk about your experience with track maintenance techniques, inspections, and fault-finding. The more specific you are, the better we can see how you fit into our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use keywords from the posting, like 'team player' and 'safety-focused', to show that you understand what we’re looking for and that you’re the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Since this role is safety-critical, make sure you brush up on the relevant safety standards and procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented safe systems of work in your previous roles. Showing that you prioritise safety will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Technician in Track Maintenance, being a strong team player is essential. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others or led a team. Highlighting your ability to motivate and embed a culture of safety within your team will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Track Maintenance Techniques
Make sure you have a solid understanding of track maintenance techniques, including inspection, fault-finding, and renewal. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have with specialist equipment. This knowledge will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your commitment to keeping the railway running smoothly.
✨Prepare for Flexibility Questions
Given the shift patterns of days, nights, and weekends, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to adapt. Think about how you’ve managed similar schedules in the past and be honest about your availability. Showing that you're adaptable will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the job.