At a Glance
- Tasks: Carry out routine repairs and fault finding on our latest fleet of trains.
- Company: Join Southeastern, one of Britain's busiest train operators.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free travel, 24 days annual leave, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's journeys every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical/electrical work and basic IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Job Reference: seastern/TP/125/3622 - SG/W/139
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Salary: £34,743 plus £1,751 London allowance rising to £43,002 plus £2,332 London allowance upon successful completion of training plus free travel
Working Hours: 35
Closing Date: 24/09/2026
Job Category: Region / Division: Kent Business Unit:
Job Introduction
Have you got a passion for Problem Solving? Technical work? Fault Finding? Repairs? Join our southeastern Engineering team as a Service Engineer. Imagine knowing hundreds of thousands of people are getting to work on time because of your attention to detail. Imagine seeing families set off safely on a fun day out because of the repair you made to the train they’re boarding. Imagine the pride you’ll feel every day as a southeastern engineer.
What you’ll do
- You will be responsible for carrying out routine repairs, examination work and first level fault finding as directed by the Team Leader.
- You will also get the chance to work on our newest/latest fleet of trains that SE has to offer.
To be considered for the role you will need to demonstrate the below in your application:
- Experience skilled mechanical / electrical work.
- Practical Aptitude.
- Ability to read and follow schematics and diagrams.
- Basic knowledge of IT systems and computer skills.
- Possess a full Drivers Licence.
All successful candidates will need to undertake and pass a full safety critical medical before formal offer. If you have any questions regarding this please do email careers@southeasternrailway.co.uk. Given the start and end times of shifts, it’s also best to have your own transport to get to and from your place of work.
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Other things to know
- All successful applicants will need to pass a Personal Track Safety course or a Depot Track Safety course (full training provided).
- This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early.
- All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment.
- Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role.
- If you applied but weren’t successful in getting a similar role at southeastern, please wait six months before applying again.
Along with your salary, the rewards you’ll get include:
- A final salary pension
- 24 days annual leave allowance (including bank holidays)
We’re one of Britain's busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations. However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It’s about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey. It’s also about making our railway a great place to work and building a team that represents the communities we serve. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment, and we’re proud that this continues to be recognised through employer accreditations and our ongoing endorsement as a WORK180 Employer for Women.
Our ways of working are what we expect of everyone at southeastern. They are powerful. Tiny moments, every day, from every one of us, add up to massive, positive change. Improving how it feels to work here and how it feels to travel with us. At the heart of everything we do, our Safeguarding Team works to keep our customers, colleagues, and the public safe by improving safeguarding measures and knowledge making sure everyone gets home safe, every day.
Service Engineer Level 1 employer: South Eastern Railway
Join Southeast as a Railway Enforcement Officer and be part of a team dedicated to ensuring passenger safety and comfort across our busy network. With competitive salaries, comprehensive training through our Passenger Services Apprenticeship Programme, and a commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, we offer a fulfilling career where every shift presents an opportunity to make a real difference. Enjoy benefits like free rail travel, a final salary pension, and 28 days of annual leave, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Engineer Level 1
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Engineer Level 1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch South Eastern Railway's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at South Eastern Railway. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Eastern Railway
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at South Eastern Railway.
