Train Response Technician

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

The holder of this post is responsible for attending unit failures in an attempt to get the unit back into service or relevant depot with the minimum amount of lost time. The holder of this post will also be responsible for the servicing, maintenance, repair and overhaul of traction units, components and equipment in accordance with South Western Railway specifications as required.

• Attend track calls across the network as requested by Fleet Control
• Diagnose and rectify as required technical faults on the service fleet to ensure units remain in service
• Liaise with Wessex Integrated Control Centre (WICC), Fleet Control and Management
• Detailed recording of faults, fault reporting, data gathering and verbal communication
• Assistance in component change outs, and failure reporting for central systems support and reliability growth teams.
• Investigate technical problems as instructed. Partake in gathering required data downloads on critical performance systems.
• Undertake test runs to assist in fault finding and resolution of faults, particularly the closeout of repeat failures.
• Functionally test train borne systems with minimal supervision using a variety of techniques and methods, including the use of computer-based diagnostics systems.
• Review IT systems for defects and pro-actively monitor train defects and fix where appropriate
• Provide Fleet Fitter cover at outstations during major events
• Liaise with Station staff when necessary
• Obtain, use and care for and return all tools and equipment used
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Cover incident response turns at Waterloo
• Actively participate in the reporting of and logging of near misses.
• Undertake additional training to ensure business needs are met, as specified by their line manager.
• Ensuring the TRTTeam comply with local policies and procedures.
• Help manage the Outstation Material process.
• Help ensure site equipment is safe and kept to the relevant standards.

• Appropriate electrical engineering qualifications essential. (Minimum Level 3 Quals) (Essential)
• Experience in management (team leader etc) (Desirable)
• Good written, oral communication, numeric and IT skills. (Essential)
• Good understanding of the routes covered by the SWR franchise. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of depot maintenance procedures.(Desirable)
• Understanding of safety legislation and quality procedures. (Desirable)
• Ability to analyse and interrogate data. (Essential)
• Understands and reports close calls. (Essential)
• Self-Motivation. Carries out, using own initiative, activities that add value to the job. (Essential)
• FULL UK Driving License(Essential)

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 3.5 days

Range of days, nights and weekends.

9 week rotating roster, working 3 weekends out of 9. A range of days and nights.

Shift times - Days  - Nights

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

additional support resources:  and health assured.org/blog/neurodiversity/