Operative [Signalling Maintenance] - 12 Month Secondment / Fixed Term Post

About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Scotland's Railway is part of this large family and it covers a large geographical area from the Borders to Thurso at the far tip of the North East of Scotland, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the UK rail network. We provide rapid access along busy commuter routes to our seven cities, servicing the varied needs of our business and leisure commuter services, including cross border services and rural services. We have up to 50 freight services operating every day and we are steadily building capacity for this to grow. Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users, drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.
With a starting salary of £37k* and no experience needed, a career in rail signalling is one that pays. Whether you’re a school leaver, looking for a career change, or returning to work after some time out, we want to hear from you. No skills or qualifications required, here at Network Rail we’re looking for potential.
Our rail Signalling Operatives work outdoors and around the clock to battle everything from power outage emergencies to repairing storm damaged equipment to keep Britain moving. This is a 12 Month Secondment / Fixed Term position.
What do Rail Signalling Operatives do?
Our rail network carries 18,000 passenger trains and 1,000 freight trains across 10,000 miles of track each day.
Our Rail Signalling Operatives keep Britain’s signals (the traffic lights of the track) in tip top condition to keep passengers and freight moving safely and without interruption. No single day is the same, from unexpected weather events to third party damage, you’d be responsible for maintaining and fixing all signalling assets. You’d be looking after a range of assets, including level crossings, switches, track circuits, line side location cases and (yes, you guessed it) signals.
To reduce disruption to rail services and to increase safety for maintenance teams, this work is often done at night or over weekends. Being able to work a varied shift pattern is important but we’ll provide your roster 4 weeks in advance so you can make plans with family and friends in good time.
Maintain rail signals
Identify, diagnose and fix faults such as replacing electrical components in physical signals trackside
Check signal monitoring systems online
A full clean driving licence
Willingness and ability to work shift patterns with a mixture of daytime, evening and weekend work
The ability to undertake physical manual work outdoors, whatever the weather
Willingness to undertake medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing, as part of our recruitment process and whilst you’re working for us (it’s a safety requirement)
Competitive starting salary of for Signalling Operatives with the potential to increase for Signalling Technicians
A fresh start - you don’t need to pay for expensive training courses or re-sit any exams, this is an entry level job and full training will be provided
many maintenance workers progress to management roles - there’s no stopping you at Network Rail
Great pension plus the chance to join Network Rail’s leading defined contribution pension scheme after five years’ service
75% discount on leisure rail travel for you and your family
30 days' annual leave
Extra earning potential: 35-hour week with overtime opportunities (there may be a requirement to work on call)
We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We’re a Disability Confident organisation and we’ll try our best to adapt to suit individual needs.
Start your career journey with Network Rail and apply now.
Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
You can visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact ScotlandResourcing@networkrail.Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
This is a 12 Month Fixed Term position.
Grade: Maintenance Grade Terms and Conditions (Standard Maintenance Contract)
Midnight on Tuesday 23 rd December 2025 - late applications will not be accepted.