Facilities level 5 Technician

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: Fleet Level 5
SALARY: £51,313 per annum
ROLE TYPE: On Site
HOURS: 35 per week – Monday to Friday, early/late day shifts

We’re looking for a skilled and motivated individual to join our Plant Maintenance and Facilities Team at our TrainCare Centre. Whether you’re already part of Northern and ready for your next step, or you’re an experienced engineer from another industry looking to bring your expertise to rail, this role offers the chance to take real ownership.

You’ll be part of the team that keeps our depot equipment running safely and efficiently – and you’ll do it as a self-managing engineer. That means planning your own work, managing your own safe system of work, and signing off your own maintenance and repairs to the highest standards. It’s a role that blends hands-on technical skill with genuine responsibility and independence.

What you’ll be doing

• Problem Solving: Diagnosing and fixing issues quickly to keep our equipment running at top performance. Carrying out fault finding and root cause analysis to keep machinery in peak condition.
• Self-Management: Managing your own day-to-day work, including creating and maintaining your safe system of work and signing off your own maintenance and repair tasks.
• Teamwork: Working closely with colleagues across the TrainCare Centre to maintain safety and efficiency at the highest levels.
• Hands-on Work: Performing regular servicing, maintenance, and repairs to ensure our plant and depot machinery is always ready for action. From planned work to fast fixes, every day brings something different.
• Safety Focus: Making sure all work is completed safely and to the right standards, helping the team meet daily targets and maintain our strong safety record.
• Development: Continuing to build your skills through new learning and development opportunities as part of our evolving engineering team.

About you

You’ll bring:

• A Level 3 NVQ or a recognised apprenticeship in Engineering, with solid knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Proven experience in a maintenance or plant environment – ideally within a rail depot or similar setting.
• The ability to work independently and proactively, taking ownership of your own workload and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Confidence in decision-making, with a strong focus on safety and attention to detail.

Please note this role is safety critical and subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

• Live within a 45-minute car journey from the station you’ll work from.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Pass a safety critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening.
• Not have defective colour vision.

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: 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: Tailored training and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways across all areas of the business.
• Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate colleagues who make a real difference 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 2,500 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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. 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.