Standards & Technical Engineer
Application Deadline: 27 November 2025
Department: Safety, Standards & Environment
Location: Derby
Description
Join Porterbrook as a Standards & Technical Engineer. This role is pivotal in ensuring our technical documentation is accurate, compliant with the latest standards, and cost‑effective. It supports the Head of Safety, Standards and Environment and involves leading engineering projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross‑industry collaboration.
About us
Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company, with over 4,000 vehicles in our portfolio. We have invested over £3.5 bn in new rolling stock and plan further investment of £1 bn in the coming years. Sustainability is embedded in our decision‑making, and we were named the global sector leader in the GRESB assessment for four consecutive years. Our sites in Derby, London, and the 135‑acre Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire are at the forefront of railway innovation.
About the team
* Operational Safety and Engineering Safety management.
* In‑house and external production and management of maintenance, overhaul and modification documentation.
* Engineering Change Management.
* Documentation and drawing process control.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Standards & Technical Engineer to join Porterbrook’s Safety, Standards & Environment team.
Role Purpose
The role supports the Head of Safety, Standards and Environment by providing engineering expertise to maintain accurate asset configuration, ensure compliance with the latest standards and best practice, and deliver cost‑effective solutions. It will lead engineering projects, contribute to safety, quality and environmental management system improvements, and facilitate strong communication within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead engineering/technical/safety projects within the Safety, Standards & Environment Team.
* Resolve engineering/technical queries related to maintenance documentation, authoring documents as needed.
* Review changes in legislation, standards, and best‑practice guidance, implementing necessary updates.
* Represent Porterbrook and/or rail vehicle owners at cross‑industry forums and events.
* Support the management of intellectual property rights, including sales and purchases aligned with business requirements.
* Provide engineering, technical and safety support to the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre.
* Produce formal reports and KPI dashboards for senior audiences detailing progress and performance.
* Collaborate with colleagues across the business to drive continuous improvement of processes.
* Deliver engineering, standards and technical projects in a multi‑stakeholder environment.
* Maintain and develop the engineering competency management system.
* Support resolution of safety and quality issues related to Porterbrook’s assets and activities.
* Assess suppliers as part of Porterbrook’s supplier management activity.
* Support the delivery of management change and configuration management systems.
General Requirements
Minimum five years of experience in an engineering/standards role within a rail‑related business, including production or approval of maintenance documentation, and familiarity with ISO9001/14001/45001 processes. Experience delivering engineering/technical projects is essential.
What you’ll need to have
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a technical subject.
* Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
* Project management qualification (APM Fundamentals, MSP or equivalent).
* ISO 9001/14001/45001 internal auditor certification.
* IOSH or NEBOSH General Certificate.
* Knowledge of rail vehicle maintenance and engineering principles.
* Familiarity with UK rolling stock design, construction, and maintenance methodologies across the asset life cycle.
* Understanding of UK railway industry standards, legislation and regulatory frameworks.
* Proficiency in quality and environmental management systems.
* Experience with railway safety management systems.
* Understanding of whole‑life maintenance costs and budgeting principles.
* Delivery of technical and engineering projects in a rail environment.
It would be great if you also had
* Ability to work independently and within a small, high‑performing team.
* Strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
* Capacity to positively influence others to achieve organisational benefits and drive continuous improvement.
* Strong written communication skills.
A great place to work
* Investors in People Gold accreditation.
* Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Gold accreditation.
* National Rail Award 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year.
* National Rail Award 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year.
Our benefits
* 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme.
* Financial wellbeing support.
* Flexible working.
* Enhanced family‑friendly policies.
* Adoption and Shared Parental Leave benefits.
* Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
* Ongoing support for professional and personal development.
* Long service awards.
* Porterbrook Star awards.
* Life assurance.
* Healthcare cash plan.
* 25 days’ annual leave, bank holidays, and the option to buy/sell up to 5 days of additional leave.
* Additional days of annual leave for long service.
* Season ticket loan.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We’re committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk. We’ll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.
This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact. Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Rail Transportation
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