At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair facilities and equipment to keep the railway running smoothly.
- Company: Join Northern, a key player in transforming rail travel across the North.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to safety and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on daily operations and support millions of customers.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Engineering or equivalent with practical skills.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
SALARY: £51,313 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On site
HOURS: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, typically between 08:00 and 15:00.
12 months Fixed Term Contract
Keeping a railway moving takes more than trains. It takes skilled people behind the scenes who keep the equipment, facilities and infrastructure working safely and reliably every day. As part of our team at Neville Hill TrainCare Centre, one of Northern's key maintenance locations, you'll help create the environment that allows our engineering teams to keep trains moving across the North. From maintaining plant equipment and depot facilities to carrying out repairs and preventative maintenance, your work will have a direct impact on the safe and efficient operation of the depot.
This is a practical role where you'll see the results of your work every day. Whether you're solving problems, carrying out repairs, managing essential supplies or helping improve the site, you'll be part of a team that takes pride in keeping things running smoothly. With colleagues working around the clock to maintain and prepare trains for service, your contribution will help support reliable journeys for millions of customers across the North.
What you'll be doing
- Working alongside the Plant Team Leader and Facilities Manager, you’ll help maintain the facilities, plant and infrastructure that keep the depot operating safely and effectively.
- A typical day could include:
- Planning and completing routine maintenance and repair work within agreed timescales
- Carrying out minor repairs to plant and equipment
- Managing stock and materials within the plant store to ensure essential supplies are always available
- Operating plant and equipment where the appropriate competency certification is held
- Undertaking quality checks on coolant, effluent and de-ionised water supplies
- Supporting painting, surface preparation and weatherproofing activities where competent to do so
- Maintaining high standards of safety, housekeeping and workmanship across the site
- Working closely with colleagues to identify and resolve issues before they impact operations
About you
Practical skills, attention to detail and a willingness to get stuck in – that's the foundation of success in this role. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work and can work confidently as part of a team while also using their own initiative when needed. You'll also bring:
- NVQ Level 3 in Engineering or equivalent, with practical knowledge of plumbing, building, mechanical or electrical principles
- An understanding of plant systems and technical schematics, including air, hydraulic and electrical systems
- Experience operating mechanical and electrical equipment safely
- The ability to read, understand and follow technical and safety instructions
- A methodical approach with strong attention to detail
- The flexibility to work outdoors throughout the year in varying weather conditions
- A commitment to maintaining high standards and following safety procedures at all times
Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys finding solutions, takes ownership of their work and understands the value of keeping things running reliably behind the scenes.
What's in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 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: We offer 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: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
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, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. 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.
Facilities Maintenance Engineer in Leeds employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values every team member's contribution. With generous benefits such as unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we ensure our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Join us at Neville Hill TrainCare Centre, where your skills will directly impact the safe and efficient operation of our services, all while being part of a diverse team committed to connecting communities across the North.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Maintenance Engineer in Leeds
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at Northern that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Maintenance Engineer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at Northern, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like Northern want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what Northern will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at Northern. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, Northern might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at Northern. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at Northern, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
