At a Glance
- Tasks: Diagnose and repair onboard systems, ensuring trains run smoothly and efficiently.
- Company: Join Northern, a leading train operator committed to innovation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, enhanced family benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, career development, and recognition for your contributions.
- Why this job: Be part of a new facility, shaping standards and culture in modern engineering.
- Qualifications: Apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 in engineering; experience with IT and OT systems.
The predicted salary is between 55415 - 55415 £ per year.
Engineering – Shipley TrainCare Centre
Reports to: Shift Production Manager
Salary: £55,415 per annum
Safety Critical Role
We keep the railway moving 24/7, expected shifts would be days, nights, weekend working. Modern trains rely on more than engineering alone. Behind every smooth journey is a network of onboard systems constantly communicating, monitoring and responding in real time. As part of the engineering team at Northern, you’d be the person making sense of it all. This role puts you at the centre of fault finding, system performance and continuous improvement – combining hands‑on technical work with data‑led insight. When something isn’t working as it should, you’ll be the one who gets to the root of the problem and helps put it right, keeping services running and passengers moving.
Be Part Of Something New
Shipley TrainCare Centre is a brand‑new facility, giving you the opportunity to help build the standards, culture and ways of working from the very start. In this role, you’ll support the day to day running of the facility while helping to create a professional, safe and high performing team environment. This means:
- Supporting the delivery of clear standards and expectations from day one
- Leading by example to build the right behaviours and ways of working
- Embedding safety, quality and continuous improvement into everything we do
- Promoting a positive, people focused culture where everyone feels supported to do their best.
Our ambition is clear: for Shipley to become a benchmark TrainCare Centre, recognised for engineering excellence, operational safety and a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to build long term careers.
Your Future, Built Here
At Northern, we’re committed to developing our workforce, and that commitment is amplified at Shipley. As we grow this new facility, we’re also growing the skills, capabilities and progression pathways of the people who join us. Whether your ambition is technical, leadership or specialist expertise, Shipley offers the chance to build a long, rewarding future in a modern, forward thinking engineering environment.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll work across a mix of practical fault resolution, system analysis and collaboration – helping to keep the fleet performing at its best:
- Diagnose, maintain and repair onboard systems across the fleet, covering both mechanical, electrical, and software elements
- Respond to faults at the TrainCare Centre or in service, helping return trains to operation with minimal disruption
- Work independently while following clear governance and safety standards
- Analyse system data to spot trends and recurring issues
- Develop and implement solutions to improve reliability and reduce repeat faults
- Support contingency planning to keep services moving when challenges arise
- Capturing and sharing technical knowledge, including repairs, modifications and lessons learned
- Support and mentor colleagues, helping build technical capability across teams
- Act as a technical point of contact for engineers, operators and managers
- Collaborating with operational teams, maintenance colleagues and external partners
- Provide technical insights and recommendations to support decision-making and future planning
- Driving continuous improvement, supporting the development of processes and system performance
- Ensure all work is carried out safely, accurately recorded and signed off
- Consistently promoting safe working practices and high standards across all activities
- Contributing to facility meetings, providing technical insight, updates and recommendations to support decision making and performance improvement
About you
You’re someone who enjoys solving problems that don’t have obvious answers. You can connect the dots between systems, data and real‑world performance – and you’re comfortable taking ownership when it matters. Technical know‑how, curiosity and collaboration – that’s what you’ll bring:
- A recognised apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 in an engineering discipline
- Experience working with IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) systems in a service or support environment
- Strong analytical skills, with confidence using databases, operating systems and diagnostic tools
- Experience in, or alongside, a rail environment with an understanding of railway operations
You’ll also be someone who:
- Enjoys getting to the root of complex issues and finding practical fixes
- Communicates clearly with a wide range of people
- Takes ownership of your work while supporting and developing others
- Works collaboratively and contributes to wider facility performance, not just individual tasks
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.
Systems Technician employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly at our new Shipley TrainCare Centre, where you can help shape a culture of excellence and safety from the ground up. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including unlimited free travel and a robust pension scheme, and a collaborative work environment that values every team member, we offer a rewarding career path in a forward-thinking engineering setting. Join us in making a meaningful impact on rail travel while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Northern or in the rail industry on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role like Systems Technician. You never know who might give you the inside scoop!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can talk confidently about fault finding, system performance, and continuous improvement. We want to see that you’re not just a tech whiz but also someone who can communicate effectively with the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview. Think of examples where you’ve diagnosed issues and implemented solutions. We love candidates who can think on their feet and take ownership of their 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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Shipley TrainCare Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Systems Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience with IT and OT systems, as well as any hands-on technical work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Shipley. Be sure to mention your problem-solving skills and your commitment to safety and quality.
Showcase Your Technical Know-How:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3, and share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past. We love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Systems
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of onboard systems and how they interact. Be ready to discuss specific examples of fault finding and system performance improvements you've been involved in. This will show your technical know-how and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing how you've used data to identify trends or recurring issues in past roles. Bring examples of how you’ve implemented solutions based on your analysis, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on continuous improvement.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various teams, be sure to highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share stories that showcase your ability to communicate effectively with engineers, operators, and managers, and how you’ve contributed to team success.
✨Safety First Mindset
Given the safety-critical nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Share examples of how you've adhered to safety standards and helped foster a culture of safety within your previous teams.
