Job Introduction

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

Main Responsibility

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.

The Ideal Candidate

• 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.

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 a number of 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. We have 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 Diversity & Inclusion 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

Package Description

Vacancy type:   Full-Time

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke TPC Building 

Closing date: 28th May 2024

Interviews will be done face to face in Stoke. 

Band & Salary: Band 5, £34,000 - £36,000

We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.

We offer excellent benefits, including:

• Flexible working patterns such as working from home and working compressed hours
• A range of pension schemes
• Healthcare Scheme
• Rail and underground season ticket subsidies up to 75%
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and volunteering days (5 days)
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
• GymPass – Access to gyms across the UK
• Access to ‘My Benefits’ portal which include discounts in food, technology, and experience days

About the Company

We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions. 

Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country’s economic prosperity. Safety is our number one priority.  

We're undertaking an ambitious change. Our vision is Putting Passengers First - becoming a company that is on the side of passengers and freight users. As one of the UK’s leading equal opportunities employers, our values and the way we behave is important to us and we have created an environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution. We have seven employee networks that provide fantastic support, opportunities and development for applicants from all backgrounds. Click here for more information

Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard is changing as of 16.01.2023. All prospective candidates who have not been offered a conditional role by 16.01.2023 will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd