Network Rail
About Us
Join the Southern Region – where your work truly matters. Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK’s most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key, and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference.
Join Us in Keeping the Nation Moving
Operative – Signalling & Telecoms (S&T)
Location: Croydon
S&T Shift Pattern: Days, Nights & Weekends (Safety-Critical Role) (Average 35 hour week)
Salary: IMC3 £36,342 or Standard Maintenance Contract £38,482
About the Role
At the heart of the railway network is a dedicated team who ensure every journey—passenger or freight—is safe, reliable, and efficient. As an Operative, you’ll play a vital role in that mission, working hands-on with a close-knit team to maintain and support the infrastructure that keeps the railway running smoothly every day. This role is more than a job—it’s a gateway to a meaningful, future-proof career in the rail industry. Whether you’re just starting out or transferring skills from another sector, we’re here to help you grow and succeed.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an Operative in Signalling & Telecoms, you’ll be trained to work with the equipment that controls train movements—signals, level crossings, points systems, and more. Your work will directly support railway safety and performance, while you develop skills across manual, electrical, and digital systems. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Working with your team to carry out essential maintenance and repairs
- Preparing vehicles and equipment before each shift
- Driving between work sites and transporting tools and materials
- Performing lookout duties to keep your team safe from oncoming trains
- Working outdoors in all weather, sometimes in physically demanding environments
Your Experience and Skills
What We’re Looking For
We welcome people from all backgrounds – no rail experience needed. What matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to working safely as part of a team.
- A qualification or demonstrable knowledge in engineering, electrical, or electronic systems
- Experience working in safety-critical environments
- A full UK driving licence (Category B)
- Flexibility to work shifts (days, nights, weekends)
- Ability to commute to your designated location within 35 minutes
- Ability to pass all pre-employment checks (D&A, medical, BPSS clearance)
The Skills That Matter
- Teamwork: Collaboration is essential for safe, efficient maintenance.
- Communication: Clear, respectful communication keeps everyone safe and informed.
- Proactive Planning: Being prepared ensures smooth, efficient operations.
- Calm Under Pressure: You’ll work near high-speed trains—focus is key.
- Rule-Following: Safety procedures must be followed confidently and consistently.
- Willingness to Learn: We’ll support your technical and personal development throughout your career.
Your Growth, Your Future
From day one, you’ll receive structured training to build your technical and interpersonal skills. Many Operatives progress into roles such as Technician, Team Leader, and beyond. Your career path is clear, and your potential is limitless.
What to Expect from the Application Process
- Pre-Screening Questions: Designed to assess suitability. Take your time and answer honestly.
- Online Psychometric Testing: If successful, you’ll complete approximately 45 minutes of online assessments. Your results are stored for six months for future applications.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about safety, eager to learn, and ready to be part of a team that keeps the country moving, we’d love to hear from you. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to build a career with purpose, pride, and possibility.
Perks That Pack a Punch:
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to Work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees. Plus, more…
We’re All About Inclusion
We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you’re from – if you’ve got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
About Your Application
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to complete your three-year employment history and upload your CV. You’ll also answer a short set of questions, which should take around 10 – 15 minutes to complete.
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. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
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. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard: All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.
