Who We Are
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway.
Our North West route covers Cheshire to Cumbria, including key cities like Liverpool and Manchester, and destinations such as Blackpool and the Lake District. Major stations include Crewe, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria
This busy region sees 1.3 million daily passengers and moves 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, with 571 stations making up a quarter of Britain's rail network.
In the North West & Central Region, we're proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply.
If you're passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. Discover more about our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail Equity, diversity and inclusion - Network Rail.
About the role
Play a vital role in keeping the country moving.
We're looking for an Operative to join our Signalling & Telecoms (S&T) team, based at our depot in Liverpool Edge Hill.
Signalling & Telecoms is a varied, hands-on area of the railway, combining electrical and mechanical engineering. No two days are the same. You could be using electronic testing equipment to check critical electrical systems one day and working with the mechanical equipment that helps trains move safely across the network the next.
Maintaining the railway is at the heart of what we do. As an Operative, you'll work outdoors as part of a close-knit team, supporting inspection, fault finding, maintenance and renewal activities. You'll help make sure work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required standards, playing an important part in keeping the railway running safely and reliably.
You don't need to have worked in the rail industry before. Our Operatives come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we value transferable skills, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Bring those qualities, and we'll provide the training and support you need to work safely and confidently on the railway.
Please Note: There may be a requirement to work on call in this role if you opt to take the Standard Maintenance Contract
How to apply
We are a Disability Confident Leader and want to make the most of the skills and talents disabled people bring to the workplace - skills and talents we need in our business Click here for more information.
Salary and benefits:
Salary: IMC £38,482 plus additional benefits (overtime, weekend, on-call, night rates)
- Pro-rata annual leave entitlement
- My benefits - our discounted online shopping site
- A range of discounted offers including, childcare vouchers, healthcare offers - cycle to work, healthcare club discounted membership and other benefits
- Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
- 75% discount on leisure travel
- A choice of contributory pension schemes
2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
Want to find out about what fantastic benefits we offer? Find out here.
Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework, any salary offered will be within the pay range advertised.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.
Closing date: 6th November 2026. Assessment Centre's will take place in November. We reserve the right to close the advert early if there is a high number of applicants.
Click 'apply now' to apply.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
Your experience and skills
Your Team Leader will allocate your work, which you'll carry out safely and efficiently in accordance with the relevant standards and procedures.
You'll also make sure that the vehicles, plant, tools, equipment and materials you use are fit for purpose and are used, stored and disposed of correctly.
It matters that this is the right role for you.
Here's some additional information which might help you.
- Shifts - Operative roles involve a changing shift pattern including days, nights, and weekends.
- Outdoor working - Our operatives work outside in all weathers and so you'll be comfortable working in different conditions.
- Safe working - offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing and passing of the relevant medical assessment and BPSS pre-employment checks. This will include a hearing and eyesight examination.
- Driving - As an operative you'll also need a driving licence (category B) so you can drive Network Rail vehicles.
- Commute times - You'll also need to be within a 60-minute commute of the location that you're applying for.
In order to be successful in this role, we would like you to have/to be:
- Excellent communication skills, both in person and in writing
- Knowledge of discipline-specific maintenance, inspection, faulting and renewal techniques
- Knowledge of relevant standards, procedures and instructions
- Able to work as part of team
- Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post, required by business need
- Able and willing to drive vehicles as required by business need
We would also like but it isn't crucial to have/to be:
- Already hold a valid PTS
- Previous experience in S&T installation or working with S&T equipment
- Hold qualifications of either Mechanical or Electrical engineering from either further education or from previous employment, or be able to demonstrate these principles from experience