As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are seeking a Fleet Technical Support Engineer who will be required to understand the train functionality and specification to be able to engage with the Manufacturer and / or Maintainer in respect of technical matters, and protecting the best interests of WMT at all times.

Accountabilities (See attached JD for full responsibilities) 

• Review the Technical Requirements of the train (Train Technical Specification and the Technical Description) and determine whether the Manufacturer has successfully evidenced compliance to the Technical Requirements.
• To attend regular meetings with the Manufacturer to discuss the progress of various workstreams related to train functionality set out under the Manufacturing Supply Agreement (MSA) including train systems such as PIS and Train to Wayside.
• Engage with the Joint Project Manager to support any contractual requirements including acceptance activities as required.
• Carry out checks and inspections to the extent that WMT can confirm the closure of any Preconditions relating to the Provisional Acceptance of Class 730 Units. 
• Carry out quality and technical checks and inspections of the electric fleet such that WMT can hold the Maintainer to account for hardware and software modifications and upgrades.
• Support testing activities as appropriate in respect of hardware and software modifications and upgrades.
• Provide a technical oversight of outstanding technical issues in relation to Acceptance of the remaining Units.
• Complete the review and acceptance of all manuals.
• Lead the transfer of knowledge and responsibility in respect of technical matters in the migration of the Class 730’s MSA contract to the Train Services Agreement (TSA) contract
• Provide support and technical expertise with regards to entry into service activities as required.
• Work with safety business partners to ensure that any relevant safety validation activities are progressed
• Maintain an overview of in-service unit and fleet defects, interacting with TSA colleagues in respect of reliability, performance and safety.
• Contributing to the improvement of reliability and performance of the fleets with specific focus on delay attribution and performance reporting.
• Working in partnership with the maintainer to investigate and mitigate safety incidents including NIRs and SRDs as required.
• The Fleet Technical Support Engineer will at times be required to deputise for the Joint Project Manager to support the delivery of West Midlands Trains objectives, as required.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and post and as required.

Knowledge and experience you will bring: 

• Engineering knowledge – engineering qualifications required including apprenticeship or degree qualification, though relevant experience will be considered.
• Certified member of a recognised professional body i.e. IMechE or IET is desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of railway applicable standards including: Euro Norms, Railway Group Standards, relevant legislation and any other railway specific engineering standards.
• Technical understanding of Traction & Rolling Stock with appreciation of technological advances of modern multiple units
• Experience and a strong appreciation of importance of stakeholder engagement, and requisite inter-personal skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• The ability to work with limited supervision, setting and achieving clear targets and deliverables, within a tight project support environment is essential.
• Evidence of experience of railway operating/rolling stock design practice and maintenance.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written and ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Ability to work under pressure and challenging deadlines

What are the salary and benefits?

• Salary - Up to £60,000 per annum + benefits
• Defined Benefit pension – one of the best in the UK
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience in current role and a full check of absence and disciplinary records. 

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time due to high volumes of applications (please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment). 

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.