At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair trains to ensure safe and reliable journeys for customers.
- 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 rail travel while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in engineering with electrical bias preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values safety and community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every safe, smooth journey is a skilled engineering team keeping our fleet in top condition – and this is where you come in. As a Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician, you’d be right at the heart of our maintenance operation. Your work keeps trains safe, reliable, and ready for service, day in and day out. This is a hands-on, safety-critical role where your electrical expertise, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail directly support thousands of customers across the North. It’s more than fixing faults or carrying out routine maintenance. It’s about pride in your craft, teamwork on the depot floor, and knowing the work you do matters every time a train leaves the shed.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Maintaining, servicing, and repairing traction and rolling stock to agreed standards and safety requirements
- Diagnosing faults using diagnostic software, carrying out fault finding and root cause analysis, with a particular focus on electric units
- Completing planned and reactive maintenance to keep trains safe and available for service
- Working closely with colleagues across the engineering team to plan work, share updates, and keep everyone aligned
- Communicating clearly with apprentices and peers, supporting learning and safe ways of working
- Following all safety procedures, carrying out assessments, and helping to maintain a clean, secure working environment
About You
Engineering know-how, curiosity, and care – that’s what this role is built on. You’ll bring:
- An engineering qualification to NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) – an electrical bias is ideal
- Experience fault finding and using diagnostic software to resolve technical issues
- The ability to stay focused and methodical in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment
- A flexible approach to shift work and changing operational demands
- A proactive mindset, with the confidence to lead by example and uphold high safety standards
- The motivation to mentor apprentices and contribute to better rail travel for everyone
Safety-critical Requirements
This role is safety critical and subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. To be considered, you must:
- Live within a 45-minute car journey of your home depot
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening
- Have no defective colour vision
Applications that do not meet these requirements cannot be progressed.
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: 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 clear career pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the people who make a difference 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, 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 moments that shaped rail, we’re also looking ahead to the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. There’s never been a better time to play your part.
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 unconscious bias and 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.
Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Northern's values, mission, and recent projects. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to engineering and safety standards. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share specific examples of your past work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Northern.
We think you need these skills to ace Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your engineering qualifications and any relevant experience you have. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Multi Skilled Engineer/Technician, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your experience with fault finding and diagnostic software. We appreciate a methodical approach, just like in the job!
Demonstrate Team Spirit: Since teamwork is key in our engineering team, share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can communicate well and support their peers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Northern!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering qualifications, especially anything related to electrical systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with fault finding and diagnostic software, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and resolved technical issues in the past. Think about specific situations where your attention to detail made a difference, and be ready to explain your thought process during those challenges.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with colleagues and mentoring apprentices, highlight your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated effectively or helped others learn, showing that you can contribute positively to the depot environment.
✨Safety First!
Given the safety-critical nature of the job, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Familiarise yourself with relevant safety procedures and regulations, and be ready to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a clean and secure working environment.