At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in train electrical systems and ETCS, providing expert consultancy.
- Company: Join Porterbrook, the UK's top rolling stock financier with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in traction and rolling-stock, with expertise in ETCS and electrical systems.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the Company
Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company, operating over 4000 passenger and freight trains.
About the Role
A senior Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer position requiring deep expertise in train electrical systems and the European Train Control System (ETCS). The role offers an opportunity to act as the technical expert and engineering partner across the business, influencing Fleet Services, Engineering Services, project teams and external stakeholders.
Role Purpose
To provide engineering consultancy, project partnership, and expert advice on ETCS and electrical systems to support new build procurement, strategic fleet solutions, and innovative projects including those at Long Marston.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as Porterbrook’s centre of expertise for electrical and ETCS systems on traction and rolling‑stock.
- Lead or support technical investigations into equipment failures, complex warranty claims and joint investigations, including site visits to manufacturing sites and depots.
- Act as a technical project partner for allocated (complex or innovative) projects, guiding the business towards safety, quality, cost, and timescale objectives.
- Lead internal technical consultancy workstreams, managing and coordinating external consultants and suppliers to deliver technical services.
- Assume project management responsibility for assigned workstreams with an electrical focus.
- Investigate National Incident Reports and manage remedial actions for incidents affecting multiple fleets.
- Support the Fleet Platform Strategy team in the delivery of strategic fleet solutions.
- Stay abreast of market‑wide new products and developments and evaluate them for commercial viability.
- Build and maintain relationships with existing suppliers and emerging supply‑chain players, including site visits.
- Lead or support product development and obsolescence management, including business case formulation.
- Provide input to Digital Services on analytics, AI, and remote condition‑monitoring system development.
- Attend or judge attendance on technical workstreams, internal forums, and cross‑industry groups.
- Report progress on owned workstreams to Engineering Services meetings.
- Review and approve engineering change proposals raised by suppliers or internal stakeholders.
- Represent Porterbrook at relevant industry forums, handling cross‑industry activities.
- Track business metrics (KPIs) and contribute to their achievement.
- Promote and uphold a culture of safety across all work locations.
Other Duties
- Coordinate and monitor external consultants and suppliers to ensure quality, safety, cost and time requirements are met.
- Support graduates, internship and work‑experience students within the Technical Services team.
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of traction and rolling‑stock technical experience.
- Expertise in customer and stakeholder engagement, project management, supplier liaison, and commercial awareness.
- Strong railway knowledge, including rolling‑stock players and industry standards.
- Transversal engineering skill set: working with instructions, drawings and schematics; vehicle maintenance and overhaul requirements; asset‑management context.
- Ability to understand whole‑life costs of train systems and remote condition monitoring.
- Familiarity with infrastructure, electrification and maintenance facilities is desirable.
What You’ll Need To Have
- Ideally Chartered or Incorporated Membership of an engineering body, or progress towards one.
- Degree, HNC or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Extensive knowledge of ETCS and train electrical systems.
- Good knowledge of rail‑leasing and commercial environment.
- Ability to understand and evaluate engineering instructions, drawings and diagrams.
- Understanding of vehicle maintenance and overhaul and whole‑life cost assessment.
- Knowledge of remote condition‑monitoring systems used in railway.
It Would Be Great If You Also Had
- Planning, managing and delivering projects to business objectives.
- Open‑mindedness toward new ideas and working‑methods.
- Attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Strong oral and written communication.
- Financial and budgeting awareness.
- Team player with interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer literacy.
- Ability to follow Porterbrook’s procedures.
A Great Place To Work
Porterbrook values people and has a collaborative culture. Recognitions include Investors in People Gold accreditation and National Rail Awards for fleet and safety achievements.
Our Benefits
- 1.5× employer‑contributory pension scheme.
- Financial wellbeing support.
- Flexible working.
- Enhanced family‑friendly and parental leave policies.
- Armed Forces benefit policies.
- Ongoing professional development support.
- Long‑service awards and Porterbrook Star awards.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
- Additional annual leave for long‑service members.
- Season ticket loan.
Equal Opportunities
Porterbrook embraces diversity and inclusivity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to join.
Accessibility
If you require reasonable adjustments during application or selection, please contact recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk to discuss how we can assist.
Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer employer: Porterbrook
Porterbrook is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative culture that values its people and promotes professional growth. With benefits such as a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and ongoing development support, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to innovative projects in the rail industry. Located at the heart of the UK's rail sector, Porterbrook provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and make a meaningful impact on fleet services and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your skills in electrical systems and ETCS can benefit Porterbrook.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your past work or projects related to traction and rolling-stock. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Electrical & ETCS Systems Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially in train electrical systems and ETCS. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to Porterbrook!
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 your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Since this role requires deep technical knowledge, don’t shy away from discussing your experience with traction and rolling-stock systems. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of complex engineering concepts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you receive updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Know Your ETCS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and train electrical systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've applied this expertise, as it will show your depth of understanding and relevance to the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves project management responsibilities, think of examples where you've successfully led projects. Highlight your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations, as well as any innovative solutions you've implemented.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your experience in customer and stakeholder engagement. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders in previous roles, and be ready to share strategies for effective communication and collaboration.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in the railway industry, especially regarding new products and technologies. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to Porterbrook's success.
