Network Engineer

Job Description

JOB ROLE: Network Engineer

SALARY: £36,140

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid with travel across network

HOURS: Monday – Friday - 37 Hours

CONTRACT: Permanent

LOCATION: Manchester/Leeds/York

We are looking for a Network Engineer to provide 24/7 Infrastructure Support, ensuring the availability of all IT Systems is maintained to a target of 99.99%.

In this role, you will be responsible for the preparation, pre-build, testing, and configuration of network and telephony equipment. You will also attend site locations to carry out installation, fault diagnosis, and resolution across network and telephony infrastructure.

You will provide specialist support across all areas of network and telephony systems, with some involvement in server administration. In addition, you will contribute to the research and development of emerging network and telephony technologies to support continuous improvement.

The role will require you to take ownership of assigned projects, coordinating and delivering work packages to meet agreed timescales. This will include liaising with internal stakeholders and third-party suppliers to ensure successful delivery.

You will be responsible for creating and maintaining accurate system and network documentation, ensuring all changes are managed in line with established change control processes.

To be successful in this role, you will require:

• Strong practical technical skills, with excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
• Experience configuring and maintaining routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure
• Cisco CCNA certification
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage your own workload effectively
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues within the IT team
• Minimum of 5 years networking experience

This role requires participation in a 24/7 second line on-call rota and may involve providing service desk telephone support when required. You must also be willing to travel to other sites at short notice and outside of normal working hours to support essential fault resolution.

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.
• 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 2,500 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, 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.