Location
Stoke-on-Trent, GBDepartment Name
TA Network Operations (Telecoms) (570660) G1About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
We offer excellent benefits, including:
🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
✨ Defined benefit pension scheme.
🚂 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
🚂 Up to 75% off leisure travel for you and your family (subject to terms and conditions)
🎟️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
🕊️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
❤ Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
🧸 We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
Plus more……..
Brief Description
The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers.
Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.
As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway – we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool – it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant.
Message from one of the team
I joined Network Rail back in January 2007 within the IT Helpdesk as a Helpdesk Operator. By October 2010 I gained a promotion as a Technical Service Analyst within the IT Helpdesk. Towards the end of 2017 I was ready to move into a position where I was more involved in the Railway itself. That was when I decided to take the chance and apply for the role of Network Management Engineer in Telecoms (FTN). I had many years’ experience in IT so it was to be a complete change in career. I was successful in my application and that is where I would see the impact of the Telecoms Network on the smooth running of both passenger and freight trains and the effects it has on ‘Putting Passengers First’. Network Rail holds a huge telecoms network that carries everything from Signal Post Telephones to Solid State Interlocking. We manage and maintain over 21000 devices and 50000 services using various Management Platforms. You will get to speak to field technicians all over the country and build some fantastic relationships. Reacting to events, diagnosing faults and getting them fixed still gets me excited. It has exposed me to lots of different areas within the railway including the GSM-R and IP Networks and how they all interlink with the Fixed Telecom Network (FTN) and it is truly fascinating. I have now secured a role as an Optimisation Engineer and the knowledge and experience I have gained as a NME will be a great asset to my new role. I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and the opportunities that it will bring. – Becci Thursfield-Smith
About the role (External)
Main responsibilities:
Working a 24/7 shift pattern, you shall conduct administrative and complex technical activities to progress complaints and network alarms, working directly with remote management platforms and field-based maintainers to restore service and resolve technical failures within agreed operational service agreements, in line with the ITIL Framework and mandated Network Rail standards, highlighting safety related failures for further processing. You shall conduct administrative and technical activities to support the successful delivery of planned work for both operational failures and Investment Project activities. You shall coach and mentor technicians to conduct event management of complaints and alarms presented on remote management platforms and provide technical support to field-based maintainers.
What will you be doing?
- To undertake day-to-day surveillance and management of the FTN, including observation, notification & direction of staff, and clearance of faults on the network. These responsibilities will also include SCADA and security monitoring.
- To receive and validate the work information, which will enable effective capture and management of network elements.
- To co-ordinate with Network Rail Project commissioning engineers, in bringing elements under management.
- To interface with Project staff, Alcatel, and maintenance contractors, according to the need, to resolve issues affecting the networks.
- To process faults on the FTN (Core, Access, P-Mux, HDSL), involving localisation, tasking, access permission, assistance/ co-operation, escalation, clearance, and feedback.
- To document all activities associated with the work, including alarms, test results, DCN details, and connectivity confirmation.
- To co-ordinate with equipment suppliers and Network Rail groups as required, to resolve issues arising during integration activities.
What essential skills and experiences are required?
- Experience in one or both of transmission & GSM network management.
- Working knowledge & understanding of SDH, PDH and DWDM networks
- Practical experience of fault finding and fault resolution of transmission networks including synchronisation and protection.
- Practical experience of managing planned maintenance & network interruptions.
- Telecoms qualifications through degree or experience.
How to apply (External)
Vacancy type: Permanent
Working Hours: This role is shift based. You will work 18, 12-hour shifts over a 6-week cycle which is currently favoured by existing team members.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Closing date: 29th April 2026
Band & Salary: Band 5, £34,000 - £36,000
We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-disciplined group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.
At Network Rail, we have several employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. In IT Services, we have a group of Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on D&I at Network Rail, please follow this link
Do you consider yourself to have a protected characteristic? If so and you require any additional support with your application, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcer who will happily assist – mark.powell4@networkrail.co.uk