Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team maintaining the railway, ensuring safe and smooth operations for passengers and freight.
- Company: Network Rail connects millions across the UK, prioritising safety and efficiency in rail transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the community while developing valuable skills in a dynamic outdoor setting.
- Qualifications: No rail experience needed; just bring your transferable skills and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Shifts include days, nights, and weekends; must be within a 60-minute commute of Glasgow.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 41000 £ per year.
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we\’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you\’re not just part of a team – you\’re 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. Click here to learn more.
We\’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we\’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you\’re ready to make a real difference, we\’d love to hear from you!
Scotland\’s Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we\’re empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.
Brief Description
Youll 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 a Technician youll work outdoors in a team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.
Our Technician community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that youve even considered a career in rail. We\’re focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network.
And if you make the grade then you can look forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that recently joined the top 50 in the Glassdoor\’s 2021 Best Places to Work.
Internal Candidates
Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance contract.
As part of the application process, you will be required to complete some pre-screening questions. Please read each question carefully before responding.
About the role (External)
Technicians specialise in a range of disciplines and for this role youll become a specialist in Overhead Lines: Working with high voltage systems youll ensure our railway has the power to run the trains. Working at height is routine, and you\’ll use various types of specialist tools and equipment to measure, adjust, repair and modify cables and wires that keeps Britains railway running.
Our Technicians work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You could 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 youll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.
You matter to your team
A natural team player, youll also be able to lead the team when asked by the team leader. Youll use your skills to deliver work safely and will check the team has the right competencies to meet our strict safety standards. Youll also be a role model for safe working behaviours and be confident to challenge any potential risks to safety, so that everyone gets home safe every day.
You matter to us
Todays Technicians can go onto become tomorrows Team Leaders.
Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we\’ll provide you with all the training to develop both technical and non-technical skills. If youre joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail.
Your skills matter
- Leadership: You\’re able to lead, motivate and direct a team for safe and efficient work delivery.
- Effective communicator: Youll need strong communication skills and be able to deliver clear instructions to the team and other colleagues.
- Technical skills: Youll have knowledge and experience of inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques in the discipline that you are applying for.
- Safety: You consistently role model safe behaviours, can arrange and implement safe systems of work, and are confident to challenge if you think a situation is unsafe.
- Problem solver: Youll be persistent in finding safe and effective solutions. Youll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures and instructions to issues you find in your working environment.
- Willingness to learn: Youll consistently develop your skills and competencies relevant to your discipline, keeping up to date with new standards, procedures and instructions.
- Relevant qualification: Youll ideally hold an NVQ Level 1 or 2 linked to the discipline you are applying for. Or you have achieved an equivalent level of relevant experience.
It matters that this is the right role for you.
Heres some additional information which might help you.
Shifts
The Technician role involves a changing shift pattern including days, nights and weekends.
Outdoor working
Our Technicians work outside in all weathers and so you\’ll be comfortable working in different conditions.
Safe working
Offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment (if not already held). This will include a hearing and eyesight examination. If you\’re an external candidate you will also be required to undergo BPSS pre-employment checks.
Driving
As a technician youll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
Commute times
Youll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that youre applying for.
Essential Criteria
- Experience of arranging and implementing safe systems of work
- Knowledge of how to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work
- Strong communication skills, both in person and in writing
- Knowledge of discipline-specific maintenance, inspection, faulting and renewal techniques
- Willing and able to work shifts in all weathers
- Meet the required benchmark for application screening questions
How to apply (External)
Please click apply to submit your CV and complete the pre-screening questions.
We\’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone! Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and will try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if youre unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact ScotlandResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate their personal commitment to safety in their application.
Network Rail Benefits
To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
Grade
Maintenance Grade Terms and Conditions (Standard Maintenance Contract)
Salary
38,482
Closing date
Midnight on Tuesday 3rd March 2026 late applications will not be accepted.
We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date (based on application volumes) so if you are interested in this vacancy, we encourage you to make your application as early as possible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Technician [Overhead Line Equipment] employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician [Overhead Line Equipment]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific safety protocols and regulations related to overhead line equipment. Understanding these will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment to safety during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight any leadership experiences you have, as this role may require you to lead a team at times.
✨Tip Number 3
Since the role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, it’s a good idea to express your adaptability and willingness to work in challenging environments. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your resilience.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Network Rail's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to overhead lines. Being knowledgeable about the company’s current focus areas can help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Technician [Overhead Line Equipment]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Technician [Overhead Line Equipment] role. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as safety awareness and technical knowledge.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any leadership roles, communication skills, and technical expertise in maintenance or inspection.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your transferrable skills can contribute to Network Rail's mission of maintaining a safe and efficient railway.
Prepare for Pre-Screening Questions: Be ready to answer pre-screening questions thoughtfully. These questions are designed to assess your understanding of safety practices and your ability to work in a team. Take your time to reflect on your experiences before responding.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Safety Commitment
Given the critical nature of safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your personal commitment to safe working practices. Share examples from past experiences where you prioritised safety and how you would ensure a safe environment while working on overhead lines.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
As a Technician, you'll often need to lead a team. Highlight any previous leadership experiences, even if they were informal. Discuss how you motivate others and ensure that everyone is working efficiently and safely together.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to relay instructions to team members or colleagues who are less experienced.
✨Emphasise Willingness to Learn
Network Rail values continuous learning. Be sure to express your eagerness to develop new skills and adapt to the demands of the role. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, and show enthusiasm for the structured training they offer.