At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect and maintain trains, ensuring safety and reliability for passengers.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on daily journeys for thousands while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in engineering with strong electrical skills.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive environment where everyone belongs.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Northern Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Technical Riding Inspector
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: Fleet Level 5 Shifts
SALARY: ÂŁ53,592 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On Site
HOURS: 37 per week
At Northern, our trains are more than just transport – they’re part of everyday life in the North. From getting people to work and school, to connecting families and friends, they keep the region moving. To make that happen, we need our fleet to be safe, reliable, and running at its best. That’s where you come in.
As a Technical Riding Inspector, you’ll be right at the heart of keeping services moving. Whether it’s finding and fixing electrical faults, carrying out in‑service repairs, or working alongside crews and engineering teams, you’ll help ensure our trains stay on track and disruption is kept to a minimum. It’s a role where your skills will directly improve journeys for thousands of people every day.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Carrying out advanced electrical fault‑finding, maintenance, and in‑service repairs on our trains.
- Responding to call‑outs for failed trains and working as part of a team to get services moving again quickly.
- Acting as a key link between production staff, contractors, maintenance, servicing, and train crews to resolve faults effectively.
- Supporting production teams by mentoring and sharing your technical knowledge.
- Conducting audits, generating reports, and advising on fleet quality, performance, and safety.
- Contributing to safety investigations and driving improvements in reliability and technical standards.
About You
- An NVQ Level 3 qualified or apprentice‑trained multi‑skilled engineering technician – with strong electrical fault‑finding skills.
- Experience working in rail operations and fleet maintenance, ideally with diesel multiple unit (DMU) and electric multiple unit (EMU) fleets.
- Calm under pressure, with the confidence to make decisions and keep things moving.
- Flexible and adaptable – you’ll need to work shifts, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and Bank Holidays.
- Safety‑conscious, reliable, and proactive, with a passion for continuous improvement.
Please note: this is a safety‑critical role, subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You must meet the safety‑critical criteria for this position, otherwise your application cannot be considered.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and career pathways in every part of the business.
- Recognition: Celebrate brilliance every day with our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
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Technical Riding Inspector employer: Northern rail
Contact Detail:
Northern rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Riding Inspector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the rail industry, especially those working at Northern. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re really looking for in a Technical Riding Inspector.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your electrical fault-finding skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. Show us you’ve got the know-how to keep our trains running smoothly!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! As a Technical Riding Inspector, you’ll be collaborating with various teams. Share stories that showcase your ability to work well under pressure and keep things moving.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Northern family. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Riding Inspector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your electrical fault-finding skills and experience in rail operations. We want to see how your background aligns with the Technical Riding Inspector role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about keeping our trains running smoothly and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, highlight specific examples where you've successfully resolved technical issues under pressure. We’re looking for candidates who can think on their feet and keep things moving, so share those stories that demonstrate your calmness and decision-making abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the Northern team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern rail
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your electrical fault-finding skills and maintenance knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience, especially with DMU and EMU fleets, as this will show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Technical Riding Inspector, you'll be working closely with production staff and train crews. Prepare to share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles, highlighting your ability to mentor others and resolve issues effectively.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
This role requires quick thinking and decision-making, especially during call-outs for failed trains. Think of situations where you’ve had to act swiftly and confidently, and be ready to explain how you handled them.
✨Emphasise Safety and Improvement
Since this is a safety-critical position, be prepared to discuss your approach to safety and continuous improvement. Share any experiences where you contributed to audits or safety investigations, showcasing your proactive attitude towards maintaining high standards.