Field service engineer

Job Description

Job Role: Field Service Engineer – Freight Wagon Maintenance

Salary: £52k

Location: Midlands and South based

Shift Pattern: 4 days on (12 hour shifts) followed by 4 x 24 hours on call, 4 days off

About the Client

Our client is a global leader in rail technology, freight solutions, and rolling stock engineering, supporting operators and manufacturers across the UK and worldwide. With a long heritage in rail innovation, they specialise in locomotive and wagon maintenance, digital rail systems, braking technology, and fleet modernisation programmes.

They play a major role in keeping freight and passenger services moving, delivering high-quality engineering support, component overhaul, and reliability-focused upgrades. Their teams work across depots, customer sites, and major rail facilities, providing technical expertise that helps improve safety, performance, and operational efficiency across the network.

This is an opportunity to join a respected organisation known for its engineering excellence, strong safety culture, and commitment to continuous improvement.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and safety-focused On-Call Fitter to join a growing freight maintenance team supporting wagon fleets across the UK. This is a field-based role working on a 12-day rotating shift pattern (4 × 12-hour shifts, 4 × 24-hour on-call, 4 days off), providing essential maintenance, fault diagnosis, and responsive repair services.

If you enjoy working independently, solving problems on the ground, and keeping freight operations moving, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a team delivering high-quality engineering support across the network.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working to all Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.
• Carrying out dynamic risk assessments and maintaining safe systems of work.
• Using PPE correctly and following site-specific safety rules.
• Reporting hazards and supporting incident investigations.
• Delivering maintenance, inspections, and repairs to industry and customer standards.
• Completing accurate documentation, inspection sheets, and fault reports.
• Supporting continuous improvement and defect trend analysis.
• Attending urgent call-outs for wagon faults, brake issues, and derailments (any time, 7 days a week).
• Providing technical support during on-call periods (9am–3pm where required).
• Working with terminal staff and operators to minimise disruption.
• Maintaining vehicle, tools, and equipment readiness.
• Supporting project work, commissioning, and modification programmes.
• Participating in 5S and lean initiatives at depots and customer sites.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in freight wagon maintenance or similar heavy engineering.
• Strong fault-finding and repair skills.
• Ability to work independently and make safe decisions on site.
• Good communication and basic IT skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to work unsociable hours and travel.

Desirable

• Knowledge of brake systems, couplers, and running gear.
• Experience in rail freight operations.
• PTS or equivalent site access certification.
• HNC/HND or NVQ Level 4.

What You’ll Receive

• Full training programme (12–16 weeks) before joining the on-call rota.
• All tools, equipment, PPE, and vehicle provided.
• Supportive team environment with ongoing development.
• Opportunity to work on varied sites across the UK rail network.