Job Role: Engineering Team Leader - Rail Operations
Location: Battersea, London and Eastleigh, Hampshire

Salary: £69k per annum + benefits

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Engineering Team Leader to support rail operations in London. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for overseeing on‑train engineering activities, depot‑based maintenance, and the safe, efficient delivery of services across a busy operational railway environment.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in rail operations, enjoys leading multi‑skilled engineering teams, and can ensure high‑quality maintenance and rapid response to train faults while services are running.

About the Role

As the Engineering Team Leader, you will coordinate and allocate engineering resources to deliver all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on trains, including in‑service fault response, routine examinations, and defect rectification. You will lead teams carrying out engineering interventions trackside, on units in traffic, and within the depot.

You will liaise closely with Fleet Control, Depot Management, and approved suppliers to ensure the fleet remains safe, reliable, and compliant. The role also encompasses oversight of depot plant, support equipment, cleaning teams, and involvement in fleet upgrades, refurbishments, and engineering change projects.

You will deputise for the Chief Engineer when required and provide hands‑on technical support during peak or disruption periods.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and support engineering teams working on trains in service, during turnarounds, and within the depot.
Plan staffing levels, allocate resources, and ensure all operational engineering tasks are covered.
Oversee defect diagnosis, fault rectification, routine inspections, and maintenance tasks on rolling stock.
Support major maintenance activities, component overhauls, and refurbishment or modification programmes.
Manage compliance and upkeep of depot plant, lifting equipment, tools, and engineering support systems.
Supervise on‑site cleaning and presentation teams to ensure rolling stock meets required cleanliness and branding standards.
Maintain accurate fleet maintenance records, engineering logs, and defect reports.
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to railway safety procedures, operational rules, and industry standards (including relevant Rail Safety and Standards Board guidance).
Encourage environmentally responsible working practices across engineering operations.

What We're Looking For

Proven leadership or supervisory experience within an engineering environment; rail or rolling‑stock experience is highly advantageous.
Strong organisational and workload‑planning capabilities, ideally in a fast‑paced operational setting.
Good understanding of engineering maintenance processes, safety standards, and statutory compliance.
A hands‑on approach with the ability to support and guide a multi‑skilled engineering team.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across operations, control, suppliers, and depot teams.
Rail or rolling stock experience is preferred but not essential — we welcome skilled engineering leaders from other sectors who bring strong technical expertise, safety awareness, and effective people‑management skills