Job Description
Fleet Acceptance Engineer
Location: Gosforth, Newcastle
Salary: £55,000 to £60,000
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with the potential opportunity to extend, offering a great chance to contribute to a major rail project and gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
A leading client in the rail sector is seeking a Fleet Acceptance Engineer to support the fleet acceptance process and ensure new Metro train units enter service on time, meeting the highest quality standards.
As a Fleet Acceptance Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring the successful delivery and commissioning of a new Metro fleet. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the handover of new train units, making sure they meet strict quality and safety standards before entering service.
The key responsibilities for this Fleet Acceptance Engineer opportunity are:
1. Lead the engineering aspects of manufacture, delivery, and commissioning of ne rolling stock.
2. Ensure the successful handover of each train unit from the Manufacture and Supply Agreement (MSA) to the Train Services Agreement (TSA) in line with contractual and technical requirements.
3. Conduct and lead vehicle inspections (Qualified, Provisional, and Final acceptance).
4. Track and review key documentation, including Car History Books and Sales Packs.
5. Oversee day-to-day vehicle snag review and acceptance processes.
6. Analyse trends in vehicle defects (snags) and support resolution with relevant stakeholders.
7. Coordinate with manufacturing and maintenance quality teams, acting as the on-site representative.
8. Develop, maintain, and manage internal quality and acceptance processes.
9. Create and manage Unit Acceptance Certification in collaboration with project teams.
10. Support Principal Engineer and Rolling Stock Project Team with technical leadership.
11. Provide reports and updates to project management on fleet readiness.
12. This role may require some working outside the UK as required, particularly Switzerland, supporting vehicle inspections or meetings.
The experience/skills required for this Fleet Acceptance Engineer role are:
13. HND (or equivalent experience) in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
14. Demonstrable experience in an engineering role within fleet, rolling stock, or vehicle systems.
15. Strong understanding of railway rolling stock standards and maintenance practices.
16. Competence in inspecting, testing, and commissioning rolling stock systems.
17. Ability to work independently, make sound engineering decisions, and justify them confidently.
18. Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex issues to non-technical staff.
19. High attention to detail and a methodical approach to snag tracking and documentation.
20. Experience in managing technical documentation and quality control systems.
21. Proven ability to collaborate across departments and external stakeholders.