Onboard Systems Service Technician - #1746397

SALARY: £63,529 inclusive of shift allowance

ROLE TYPE: Mobile / Depot-based

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS: Based at a Northern Train Maintenance Office or Depot, with travel to UK supplier sites

HOURS: 37

SAFETY CRITICAL POST: Yes

At Northern, we’re committed to delivering a modern, connected, and reliable railway experience for our customers. Technology sits at the heart of that journey—and we need the right people to keep it running smoothly.

We’re looking for an Onboard Systems Service Technician to join our Engineering team and provide specialist technical support across our fleet’s digital systems. This mobile role is based at one of our key Train Maintenance Depots and will play a crucial part in minimising service disruption, maintaining systems availability, and keeping the customer experience seamless.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a vital member of the Engineering function, you’ll:

• Provide hands-on technical support, maintenance, and repair for Northern’s full portfolio of onboard digital systems
• Troubleshoot mechanical and software-related faults across our operational fleet
• Maintain governance-aligned service delivery reports to ensure knowledge is shared and performance is monitored
• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to deliver solutions with minimal disruption to service
• Influence frontline engineering teams and contribute to technical capability development
• Record changes and lessons learned for continuous improvement
• Support investigations, provide technical insight, and contribute to developing operations strategyOperate proactively and independently within a structured governance framework
  
  
  

About You

Tobe successful in this role, you'll bring:

• 3+ years of experience in a technical support role across Operational Technology environments
• Experience working within the rail or transport sector
• Working knowledge of databases, operating systems, and fault resolution tools
• A recognised qualification (or working towards) in technical OT support or OT service delivery
• A problem-solving mindset with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Passion for safety, operational efficiency, and engineering innovationWillingness to travel to various depots and supplier sites
  
  
  

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 dependants on Northern services. Up to 75% discount on other UK and European rail networks.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks of 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.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear career pathways.
• Recognition: Celebrate your success with Northern Lights and Northern Sparks awards.
  
  
  

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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe—and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. 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 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.Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.