Northern
New Trains Technical Lead
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: ML2/SB2
SALARY: £61,064 - £64,640 per annum
REPORTS TO: Reports to: Head of Engineering (and Director of Rolling Stock )
ROLE TYPE: Onsite/Hybrid
HOURS: 37.5 per week
LOCATION: Manchester/Leeds/York
Help shape the next generation of rail travel. The trains you help bring into service will be carrying millions of people across the North for decades to come.
As part of our Engineering Technical Team, you'll play a key role in one of the biggest changes to Northern's fleet. Working at the heart of our New Trains Project, you'll bridge the gap between engineering and programme delivery, making sure our technical teams are ready long before the first new train arrives.
This is a role with real influence. You'll work with manufacturers, suppliers, Network Rail, and colleagues across Northern to make sure new trains can be introduced safely, smoothly and successfully. Just as importantly, you'll help ensure the knowledge gained throughout the project becomes part of how we work every day.
If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, bringing people together, and turning plans into practical delivery, you'll find plenty to get your teeth into here.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll be the technical lead for Engineering Readiness, ensuring Northern is fully prepared to introduce a brand-new fleet into passenger service.
That means you'll:
- Lead the engineering technical readiness workstreams for the new trains programme.
- Act as the main link between the Engineering Technical team and the New Trains Mobilisation team, ensuring information flows both ways.
- Share technical knowledge across Engineering so colleagues understand what's changing, why it matters, and how they'll support the new fleet.
- Work with train manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners to make sure Northern is ready from both an engineering and operational perspective.
- Help adapt Northern's technical processes, Quality Management System (QMS) and Safety Management System (SMS) so they're fit for the new trains.
- Champion Engineering's interests throughout design, testing, commissioning and fleet introduction.
- Support readiness across maintenance facilities, tooling, documentation, materials, training and operational processes.
- Learn from testing, commissioning and other operators to bring best practice into Northern.
- Provide expert technical advice and challenge where needed, always keeping safety, reliability and customer experience front of mind.
- Represent Engineering across key technical meetings and cross-functional forums, acting as the focal point for business-as-usual engineering activity alongside the wider programme.
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About You
Introducing a new train fleet is about much more than engineering expertise. It's about bringing people together, influencing decisions and helping everyone move in the same direction.
You'll bring:
- A degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, along with hands-on experience of rolling stock systems and their introduction into service.
- Experience delivering new rolling stock or major fleet refurbishment projects from concept through to passenger operation.
- A strong understanding of railway engineering, safety regulations, Railway Industry Standards and Network Rail standards.
- The confidence to build relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and colleagues across different parts of the business.
- The ability to explain complex technical information in a way that's clear and practical.
- Experience leading, coaching or influencing technical teams, even where people don't report directly to you.
- A collaborative approach, balancing safety, performance, operational needs and commercial priorities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to make sound technical decisions.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and engineering systems.
Chartered Engineer status would be an advantage, but it's your experience of delivering successful rolling stock projects that matters most.
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 dependants 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.
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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 2,650 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 Disclosure and Barring Service (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.
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