Location
Warrington, GB
Department Name
BD SM(S) Warrington Direct (853513) G1
About Network Rail
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
We're proud to be named as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equity for the fourth year running.
Find out more from our people here.
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria
This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.
In the North West & Central Region, we’re proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone.
Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we’d love to hear from you. We’re committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail
Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.
Brief Description
We are looking to recruit a 9 month fixed-term Operative to join our team in Warrington.
Signalling & Telecoms (S&T) offers a dynamic and diverse role that combines both electrical and mechanical engineering skills. There is a variety in tasks, from using electronic testing equipment to measuring critical electrical parameters, to working with mechanical systems that guide trains, this ensures that no two days are the same.
You will be working on tasks such as:
- Electrical measurements: Using advanced testing equipment to check the performance of signalling systems and ensure everything is running safely.
- Mechanical work: Troubleshooting and repairing mechanical components, like the systems that control train directions, adds a hands-on, practical element to the role.
We value individuals with transferable skills, a willingness to learn and want to develop a career within S&T.
Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance Contract.
About The Role (External)
Signalling & Telecoms. You'll be working with equipment including signals that control when trains can run, level crossings, and points systems. With your willingness to learn, you'll develop a huge range of technical skills across a range of manual, electrical and digital equipment.
Your Skills Matter
Teamworking – Our maintenance teams rely on your hard work and you will play an important role within the team. Being able to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work is vital.
Communication – A variety of clear communication skills to deliver instructions to the team and other colleagues are essential so work can be completed safely and effectively.
Working under pressure – Working outdoors in all conditions, and with trains passing close by means you’ll need to remain calm under pressure.
Following rules and Instructions – It is important that you have knowledge of Signalling & Telecoms inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques to follow daily work instructions. Being familiar with maintenance standards and procedures would be advantageous.
Technical skills – you must have technical knowledge of the discipline you are applying for and know about construction management processes. Systems and standards would be advantageous, as well as previously achieved (or be working towards) an NVQ level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or gained through equivalent relevant experience, will help you excel in the role.
It matters that this is the right role for you.
Here’s some additional information which might help you.
- Shifts - Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor working - Our operatives work outside in all weathers and so you’ll be comfortable working in different conditions.
- Safe working - Offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.
- Driving - As an operative you’ll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
- Commute times – You’ll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you’re applying for.
How To Apply (External)
We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace -skills and talents we need in our business Click here for more information
Salary and benefits:
- Salary: £3 7,073 Maintenance T&Cs plus additional benefits (overtime, weekend, on-call, night rates)
- Pro-rata annual leave entitlement (28 days)
- My benefits – our discounted online shopping site
- A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers – cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
- Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
- 75% discount on leisure travel (*Discretionary)
- A choice of contributory pension schemes
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here
Network Rail adheres to a
structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
Closing date: 18 th December 2025. Assessment Centre’s will take place on for this role towards the end of December / early January. Late applications wont be accepted.
This position is for a 9 month fixed-term contract.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision
We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.
Drugs & Alcohol test: All prospective candidates offered a conditional role will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
