Operative [Works Delivery Signalling] - Swindon PSB

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter.

At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will accommodate needs throughout the recruitment process. If you are ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!

You will help keep our nation moving every single day. A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As an operative, you will work outdoors in a small team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users. Our operative community comes from a variety of backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you have considered a career in rail. We focus on transferable skills and behaviours and will provide the necessary training to work safely and competently on the network. If you perform well, you can look forward to a rewarding career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in Glassdoor’s 2021 Best Places to Work.

Please Note: If successful, there may be a requirement to work on call in this role.

Operatives can specialise in a range of disciplines but for this role you will become a specialist in Signalling & Telecoms. You will be working with equipment including signals that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. With your willingness to learn, you will develop a huge range of technical skills across a range of manual, electrical and digital equipment. Our operatives work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You will be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit across tricky terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you will often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.

Key Expectations

• You matter to your team. You are the one who shows up first and leaves last, who makes sure the van and equipment are checked and ready for every shift, and who drives the team from site to site.
• Every day you will support your team in maintaining equipment and will provide lookout duties to keep the whole team safe.
• Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we will provide you with all the training to develop both technical and non-technical skills.
• If you are joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail.
• Today’s operatives are tomorrow’s technicians and team leaders, and we offer a clear career path for you.

Your Skills Matter

• Team-working: You will work closely with the team to deliver safe and efficient work delivery.
• Communication: You will have good communication skills to work safely and effectively.
• Proactive planning: Being punctual, having the van and equipment ready, and anticipating the needs of the team are essential to keeping our passengers and freight moving.
• Working under pressure: Working outdoors in all conditions, with trains passing close by, you will need to remain calm under pressure.
• Following rules and instructions: Understand and respect the rules, but also feel confident to challenge if you see a situation is unsafe.
• Willingness to learn: You will continuously develop your skills and stay up to date with new standards, procedures, and instructions.

Role Fit

It matters that this is the right role for you. Here’s some additional information which might help you:

• Shifts: Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
• Outdoor working: Operatives work outside in all weathers and you will be comfortable in different conditions.
• Safe working: Offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks, including a hearing and eyesight examination.
• Driving: A valid driving licence (category B) is required to drive Network Rail vehicles.
• Commute: You will need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location you are applying for.

How To Apply

Salary: £38,482 per annum. Closing date: 19th February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Click apply now to apply. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for accessibility advice if you are unsure of the options available. If you require reasonable adjustments, please add a note to your application.

Network Rail Benefits

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Some roles require face-to-face Drugs & Alcohol testing; further details will be shared as part of the formal offer. We positively embrace flexible working to help balance work and life. In Wales and Western region, you may join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme. If you would like support with your application or interview, please contact Wales&WesternCulturalFusion@networkrail.co.uk.