Service Engineer - Rail Vehicles & Equipment

• Permanent full‑time position
• Enhanced overtime available, allowing engineers to increase overall earnings
• 33 Days Holiday 
• Sickness benefit: Up to 4 weeks at gross basic rate (following successful completion of probation)

This is a permanent Service Engineer position focused on keeping a specialist fleet of rail vehicles and associated equipment operating safely, reliably, and efficiently. The role is depot‑based as a primary location, with regular involvement in fault finding and repair work both on-site and across the wider UK rail network when required. Due to travel and site access requirements, a full UK driving licence is essential.

The position suits a hands-on, multi‑skilled engineer who is comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, with a strong electrical bias. While mechanical competence is vital, the client is particularly interested in engineers who are confident diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, control circuits, sensors, and associated components within complex rail machinery.

A key part of the role is delivering both planned preventative maintenance and reactive fault rectification. Engineers are expected to diagnose root causes, not just replace parts, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and do not reoccur. This makes fault‑finding ability critical, especially the capability to read, understand, and interpret detailed schematics - including electrical, hydraulic, and control diagrams - rather than relying solely on build or assembly drawings.

The work environment is varied and can include depot activities, live rail infrastructure, and outdoor locations in all weather conditions. Engineers may be required to attend alternative sites or distribution centres to support operational demands. There is also involvement in a shared standby or on‑call rota, providing technical support outside normal working hours.

From a technical standpoint, the role demands confidence working on integrated systems where electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic elements interact, often within diesel‑powered or electro‑mechanical rail equipment. Accurate record‑keeping, reporting of defects, and clear communication with engineering teams and supervisors are essential parts of the job.

Candidates must hold an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline and have proven experience in a service, maintenance, or field engineering environment. Experience within rail, heavy plant, fleet, or similar industrial sectors is advantageous, but not essential for engineers with strong transferable skills.

This is a full‑time permanent role with a competitive base salary. Overtime is readily available and paid at enhanced rates, meaning many permanent employees increase their overall earnings. Additional benefits include structured working hours, holiday entitlement, and long‑term stability within a safety‑critical industry.

Overall, this role offers an excellent opportunity for an electrically biased, multi‑skilled engineer who enjoys diagnostic work, thrives in technically demanding environments, and wants long‑term career security with strong earning potential through overtime.

The varied nature of this role means engineers are exposed to multiple working environments and technologies, creating strong opportunities to gain further qualifications and upskill across disciplines. The client actively encourages training and continued professional development as part of this position.