Shift Technician

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.
You’ll help keep our nation moving every single day.
A critical part of the work we do is the daily upkeep of the rail network. As a Technician you’ll work outdoors in a team, supporting essential maintenance to keep the railway running safely and smoothly for passengers and freight users.
Our Technician community comes from a variety of different backgrounds, and this might be the first time that you’ve even considered a career in rail. We’re focused on your transferrable skills and behaviours and if you can demonstrate that, then we will provide you with all the necessary training to have you working safely and competently out on the network.
Internal Candidates Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance contract.
Our Technicians provide the essential link between the Team Leader and the team’s Operatives.
Technicians specialise in a range of disciplines and for this role you’ll become a specialist in Works Delivery Track .
You’ll be responsible for maintaining, inspecting and repairing the track network (also known as the Permanent Way or P-Way) to keep the railway safe and efficient. This is a very manual role as you’ll be working with rails, sleepers and ballast that support the trains, together with their associated drainage and ancillary structures.
Our Technicians work outside in all conditions, at all times of the year, day or night. You could be involved in demanding manual work, often with the need to transport kit across tricky terrain. Being safety focused, respectful of rules and a team player will be critical as you’ll often be working next to moving trains travelling at high speed.
You’ll also be a role model for safe working behaviours and be confident to challenge any potential risks to safety, so that everyone gets home safe every day.
Today’s Technicians can go onto become tomorrow’s Team Leaders.
Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we'll provide you with all the training to develop both technical and non-technical skills. If you’re joining us from another industry, the structured training will give you the skills and confidence to move into a rewarding career in rail.
Our Technicians play a vital role in our maintenance teams. You don’t necessarily need rail experience, but you do need to show how your transferrable skills meet the following:
Leadership – You’re able to lead, motivate and direct a team for safe and efficient work delivery.
Technical skills –You’ll have knowledge and experience of inspection, faulting, maintenance and renewal techniques in the discipline that you are applying for.
Relevant qualification – You’ll ideally hold an NVQ Level 1 or 2 linked to the discipline you are applying for. Here’s some additional information which might help you.
Shifts – the Technician role involves a changing shift pattern including days, nights and weekends.
Outdoor working - Our Technicians work outside in all weathers and so you’ll be comfortable working in different conditions.
Safe working - Offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment (if not already held). Driving - As a technician you’ll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
Knowledge of how to organise and control the safe and efficient delivery of work
Strong communication skills, both in person and in writing
Knowledge of discipline-specific maintenance, inspection, faulting and renewal techniques
Willing and able to work shifts in all weathers
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
Grade: Maintenance Grade Terms and Conditions (Standard Maintenance Contract)
Midnight on Friday 12 th December 2025 – late applications will not be accepted.