Systems Technician

Job Description

Systems Technician – Engineering
Engineering – Shipley Train Care Centre

Reports to: Shift Production Manager

Salary: £55,415 per annum

Safety Critical Role

We keep the railway moving 24/7, expected shifts would be days, nights, weekend working

Modern trains rely on more than engineering alone. Behind every smooth journey is a network of onboard systems constantly communicating, monitoring and responding in real time.

As part of the engineering team at Northern, you’d be the person making sense of it all. This role puts you at the centre of fault finding, system performance and continuous improvement – combining hands-on technical work with data-led insight. When something isn’t working as it should, you’ll be the one who gets to the root of the problem and helps put it right, keeping services running and passengers moving.

Be Part of Something New

Shipley TrainCare Centre is a brand-new facility, giving you the opportunity to help build the standards, culture and ways of working from the very start. In this role, you’ll support the day to day running of the facility while helping to create a professional, safe and high performing team environment. This means:

• Supporting the delivery of clear standards and expectations from day one
• Leading by example to build the right behaviours and ways of working
• Embedding safety, quality and continuous improvement into everything we do
• Promoting a positive, people focused culture where everyone feels supported to do their best.

Our ambition is clear: for Shipley to become a benchmark TrainCare Centre, recognised for engineering excellence, operational safety and a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to build long term careers.

Your Future, Built Here

At Northern, we’re committed to developing our workforce, and that commitment is amplified at Shipley. As we grow this new facility, we’re also growing the skills, capabilities and progression pathways of the people who join us. Whether your ambition is technical, leadership or specialist expertise, Shipley offers the chance to build a long, rewarding future in a modern, forward thinking engineering environment.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work across a mix of practical fault resolution, system analysis and collaboration – helping to keep the fleet performing at its best:

• Diagnose, maintain and repair onboard systems across the fleet, covering both mechanical, electrical, and software elements
• Respond to faults at the Train Care Centre or in service, helping return trains to operation with minimal disruption
• Work independently while following clear governance and safety standards
• Analyse system data to spot trends and recurring issues
• Develop and implement solutions to improve reliability and reduce repeat faults
• Support contingency planning to keep services moving when challenges arise
• Capturing and sharing technical knowledge, including repairs, modifications and lessons learned
• Support and mentor colleagues, helping build technical capability across teams
• Act as a technical point of contact for engineers, operators and managers
• Collaborating with operational teams, maintenance colleagues and external partners
• Provide technical insights and recommendations to support decision-making and future planning
• Driving continuous improvement, supporting the development of processes and system performance
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, accurately recorded and signed off
• Consistently promoting safe working practices and high standards across all activities
• Contributing to facility meetings, providing technical insight, updates and recommendations to support decision making and performance improvement

About you

You’re someone who enjoys solving problems that don’t have obvious answers. You can connect the dots between systems, data and real-world performance – and you’re comfortable taking ownership when it matters.

Technical know-how, curiosity and collaboration – that’s what you’ll bring:

• A recognised apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 in an engineering discipline
• Experience working with IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) systems in a service or support environment
• Strong analytical skills, with confidence using databases, operating systems and diagnostic tools
• Experience in, or alongside, a rail environment with an understanding of railway operations

You’ll also be someone who:

• Enjoys getting to the root of complex issues and finding practical fixes
• Communicates clearly with a wide range of people
• Takes ownership of your work while supporting and developing others
• Works collaboratively and contributes to wider facility performance, not just individual task

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.