ETCS Project Engineer

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Strategic Projects
SALARY: 51,919 - £61,210 /Grade:ML2/SB1
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week

Rail is entering a new era, and ETCS (European Train Control System) is at the heart of that transformation and forms part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the West Coast North Modernisation Program. It’s one of the biggest changes to railway signaling technology in a generation, helping to make train journeys safer, more reliable, and ready for the future.

As an ETCS Project Engineer at Northern, you will support technical ownership of the ETCS rollout project across our fleet. This is a role where electrical engineering and rail systems expertise meets project delivery – from reviewing designs and influencing installation plans, to managing the safety case and the fleet re-introductions you will work with suppliers, engineering teams, operational colleagues, and wider business stakeholders to ensure this multi-million pound investment delivers the benefits it promises.

No two days will look the same. One day you could be reviewing technical changes with suppliers, the next you could be supporting train testing or helping shape the future maintenance approach for ETCS across the business.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll play a key role in bringing ETCS into everyday operation across Northern’s fleet. That means you’ll be:

• Acting as the technical expert for ETCS, supporting its integration, installation, performance, and ongoing development.
• Reviewing and auditing engineering designs and modification packages to ensure compliance with relevant standards and change processes.
• Supporting and leading the delivery, testing, acceptance, and verification of ETCS installations on our trains.
• Working with maintenance teams to develop fault-finding guides, maintenance processes, and knowledge sharing across the wider engineering team.
• Managing risks, identifying opportunities, and influencing project plans to ensure successful delivery with minimal impact on our operational fleet.
• Working with suppliers and stakeholders across the business to balance project requirements with day-to-day railway operations, always keeping safety at the centre of decisions.
• Supporting wider rolling stock projects, including work linked to the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

About you

You’re someone who can see the bigger picture while never losing sight of the technical detail. Whether you’ve developed your expertise through an electrical engineering degree or equivalent hands-on experience, you’ll bring the knowledge and confidence needed to drive a complex engineering project forward.

A strong engineering background, experience delivering projects in regulated environments, and the ability to influence others – that’s the combination you’ll bring to the team.

You’ll also have:

• Experience delivering rail systems projects within complex, safety-critical industries.
• Knowledge of systems engineering, electronics, rolling stock, or similar technical disciplines.
• A problem-solving mindset with experience in Engineering Change and the Management of the Common Safety Method.
• The confidence to challenge assumptions, manage competing priorities, and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• The ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and know when to escalate risks or issues.
• A proactive approach to developing project scopes and turning high-level concepts into clear delivery plans.

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 dependents 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.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

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.

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 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.