Quality Engineer

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: ML1 SB3

SALARY: £56,285.00 per annum

ROLE TYPE: On site, travel required.

Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Hull

People across the North rely on trains that are safe, dependable and ready to go when they are. Behind every journey is a huge amount of engineering work – and that’s where you come in. As part of our engineering team at Northern, you’d play a key role in making sure every train leaving our TrainCare Centres meets the highest quality standards.

This role sits at the heart of how we improve and evolve. You’d be shaping how quality is defined, measured and delivered across maintenance, new trains, and major projects. It’s a chance to influence real change – raising standards, strengthening processes, and helping create a culture where quality isn’t just checked, it’s built in from the start.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll lead the way on quality across engineering operations, working closely with teams on the ground and partners across the supply chain. Day to day, that means:

• Developing and maintaining quality assurance and control standards, procedures and specifications
• Leading investigations into defects or incidents, using data and root cause analysis to drive improvements
• Carrying out audits – internal, supplier and third party – in line with recognised standards
• Supporting new train introductions, heavy maintenance and special projects from a quality perspective
• Monitoring performance, identifying trends and turning insight into action
• Working with depot teams, engineers and leaders to embed consistent, high-quality practices
• Ensuring compliance with industry standards and Northern’s Quality Management System
• Acting as a trusted voice on quality, influencing decisions and raising the bar across the business

Travel between locations will be part of the role, supporting different TrainCare Centres and central teams where needed.

About you

You know what good looks like – and you’re not afraid to challenge when things fall short. Quality, engineering and continuous improvement all matter to you.

Here’s what you’ll bring:

• Experience in engineering and quality management systems – that’s your foundation
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and auditing principles (or working towards it)
• Confidence working with data, spotting trends and getting to the root of problems
• The ability to influence others and build strong working relationships across teams
• A proactive approach – you don’t wait for issues, you look for ways to improve
• Clear communication skills, both written and spoken

A degree, HND or equivalent in an engineering discipline would be useful, along with a Lead Auditor qualification or NEBOSH certificate – but if you’re working towards these, that works too.

Most importantly, you bring curiosity, resilience and a drive to make things better.

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.