Year in Industry Placement

At the heart of the rail network for over three decades, Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.

By working together with our partners, we deliver high-quality, agile rolling stock solutions that ensure the railway remains safe, reliable, sustainable and fit for the future.

We don’t just provide trains – we provide a customer-focused platform for long-term success. Since 1994, Porterbrook has invested over £4bn in new rolling stock including £1bn of capital in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure in the last five years.

With our strategic and empathetic funding solutions, we’re actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead.

About the team

Our Fleet Services team support customers across the UK and offer a range of embedded support packages to help improve fleet reliability. The successful candidate will be joining a team of experienced engineers.

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Year in Industry Placement, to join the Porterbrook team.

Key responsibilities:

General engineering and project delivery

• Follow Porterbrook’s processes to support the management of projects so that Porterbrook owned vehicles allow safe operation on the railway system
• Provide general support for technical investigations to continuously improve safety including National Incident Reports, Porterbrook’s supplier accreditation process, audits and subsequent corrective action requests
• Working with Porterbrook’s Project Managers, to provide technical support to project delivery so that our projects are delivered to time, cost and quality objectives
• Provide project reports on your work to give sufficient visibility of progress, issues, costs, risks and opportunities within your projects
• Share all relevant information with the wider business to make sure that information about project schedules and other critical information is kept up to date
• Update the Project Execution Plan (PEP) workbook for your projects real time such that the workbook reflects the actual position of the project
• Support the Management of Change process to review the technical risks associated with any vehicle changes
• Support vehicle inspection and supplier visits when required
• Support the development of maintenance specifications, particularly any updates that are required during a project
• Support the audit of suppliers of maintenance/overhaul activities to ensure all necessary compliance is achieved
• Support technical investigation work requested by the Head of Fleet Services North, Midlands or South to provide support to customers on all technical issues affecting the vehicles that they lease that arise from projects. Ensure that these matters are appropriately prioritised and addressed

Other Duties

• Assist in providing general engineering services to/across the business as and when required
• Work towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) status, ensuring all eMPDS documentation is kept up to date

About you

Porterbrook year-in-industry placement students benefit from an IMechE accredited monitored professional development scheme (MPDS) which all entrants would join. Whilst focussing on achieving Engineering Technician status during the placement year, this path eventually leads to either Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer status. The scheme’s proven track record will provide a wide range of training and experience, both within Porterbrook and at other railway companies, leading to a wider awareness of engineering management within the rail industry. General requirements for this scheme are an MEng in mechanical or electrical related discipline (or a BEng with commitment to further learning). The role is based in Derby but will require the person to be able to travel and work off site with reasonable expenses paid for.

Skills / Experience

What you’ll need to have:

• Associate Membership of IMechE or IET is desirable but not essential
• Working towards MEng or BEng degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

It would be great if you also had:

• Knowledge of the Railway industry/Rolling stock
• Knowledge of contractual obligations and operating lease agreements
• Awareness of project management tools
• Ability to understand and comment upon engineering instructions and drawings
• Understanding of vehicle maintenance and overhaul requirements
• Report writing and presentation skills
• Organisational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office and database knowledge)

A great place to work

We have a collaborative work ethic with our team members across the company, and with our customers and suppliers. In Derby, London and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right jobs, all striving to drive excellence through strong partnerships that create value for all.

We promote a high-performing culture where everyone is supported to achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. We have a close-knit, diverse team that looks out for each other, and supports our colleagues, communities and the next generation of the railway family.

In recognition of this we have been awarded:

• Investors in People Gold accreditation
• Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Gold accreditation
• Engineering and Safety Award Railway Innovation 2025

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.

We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

• 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development
• Long service awards
• 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
• Additional days annual leave for long service
• Free parking and electric vehicle charging are available at our Derby office
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.

Accessibility

We’re committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk We’ll be happy to discuss how we can assist.

Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.

Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team.

This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!

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