We own and operate a wide range of specialist rail plant. Our teams work in collaboration with our clients on a broad variety of activities, from small installation projects through to large complex engineering schemes across the UK.
Our highly skilled people hold competencies to operate and maintain a variety of on track machines such as tampers and ballast regulators, through to Kirow cranes and RRV’s with specialist attachments.
We work with clients across main line railways, depots, overground mass transit networks and tramways, along with private sidings and heritage railways, delivering a variety of projects, including maintenance, overhead line installations, bridge installations and track renewals.
We have a fleet of On-Track Machines (OTM) working on a long-term contract with Network Rail to deliver mechanised track maintenance and infrastructure enhancements to help transform and maintain the UK rail network. Today we are also part of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), delivering the European Train Control System (ETCS) on the East Coast South Mainline.
This is a hands-on supervisory opportunity for an experienced engineering professional who enjoys leading people, improving standards and keeping complex operations moving. You will coordinate the day-to-day maintenance of our Hired Plant and Equipment fleet, support and develop our fitters, and help ensure every machine leaves the workshop safe, compliant and ready to perform.
Whether your background is in rail, construction plant, road vehicles, rolling stock or another demanding engineering environment, this role offers the chance to bring your leadership and technical experience into a specialist rail plant operation. Full support will be provided to help you build your knowledge of HP&E equipment and processes.
Applications are welcomed from Mechanical, Electrical, Plant Fitters and NVQ Level 3 Qualified Technicians, detailed training will be provided for all HPE (Hired Plant & Equipment) specific requirements of the role, including engineering and machine operations.
Key Duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Lead, organise and support the HP&E maintenance team across workshop and site activities, ensuring resources are used effectively.
- Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance, servicing, repairs and fault response so that plant and equipment remains safe, compliant and available.
- Provide daily guidance, coaching and technical support to fitters, helping the team maintain high engineering and documentation standards.
- Review maintenance records, service packs and fault reports, working with the Assets Manager and Technical Standards Manager to close issues promptly and through the correct process.
- Complete final checks before plant is delivered to clients and assess returned equipment promptly for damage, defects or follow-up action.
- Deliver technical and safety briefings, carry out service and small plant spot checks, and promote a strong culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.
About you
Essential:
- Be either a trained apprentice in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or possess an NVQ level 3 (mechanical or electrical) or equivalent.
- Have demonstrable experience in maintenance, fault finding and the repair of plant equipment, rolling stock, machinery or vehicles.
- Be able to read engineering drawings/schematics with regards to fault finding.
- A strong understanding of safe systems of work, maintenance standards, quality requirements and accurate engineering records.
- Be flexible in your approach and willing to work nights, weekends, bank holidays and lodge away from home.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
- Possess excellent communication skills.
- A responsible attitude and high level of safety awareness.
Desirable:
- Experience within the rail or construction industry, particularly involving specialist plant or similar machinery.
- An HNC or higher qualification in an engineering discipline.
- Experience of maintenance planning, fault management, audits, inspections or asset reliability improvement.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
VolkerRail is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.
By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerRail are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Salary for this position is £45,000 per annum.
- You will be required to follow type specific engineering and operational training.
- Enhanced rates of pay for overtime working
- Company commercial vehicle provided for work purposes
- Company issued Smart Phone
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities
- Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive. You can read more about our FIR Strategy as well as our partners here Fairness, Inclusion and Respect | VolkerWessels UK
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies:
Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.
We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to careers@volkerwessels.co.uk
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
