Route On Track Machine Engineer

Who We Are

Join the Southern Region - where your work truly matters.

Covering Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, the Southern Region is one of the busiest and most dynamic parts of the railway. Our teams keep some of the UK's most vital passenger and freight routes moving every single day. This is a place where collaboration, innovation, and resilience are key-and where your contribution will directly impact millions of journeys. We are entering an exciting new chapter as we integrate with train operating companies under one national leadership, creating even greater opportunities to shape the future of rail. From supporting major modernisation programmes to improving performance for local communities and enhancing safety across complex operational environments, Southern offers a fast-paced, rewarding environment to grow your career and make a real difference. 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!

About the role

Help keep the railway performing at its best.

We're looking for a Route On Track Machine Engineer to lead the Sussex planning and delivery of On Track Machines (OTM) activity, helping us achieve track geometry and rail grinding targets safely, efficiently and within budget. This role also manages the Mobile Maintenance Train (MMT) team.

You'll work across teams to optimise resources, develop plans, resolve priorities and drive continuous improvement.

If you bring strong OTM experience, track geometry, rail grinding knowledge and a collaborative approach, this is your chance to make a real impact.

What You'll Do

• Partner with delivery teams to identify OTM needs and hit track geometry and rail grinding targets
• Work with planners to align machine availability and track access for the most efficient plans
• Spot opportunities to share resources and maximise cross-functional benefits
• Develop and deliver OTM plans, balancing operational, financial and access requirements
• Set priorities across the route, ensuring the right resources are used where they matter most
• Lead the MMT team
• Act as the go-to expert for all OTM matters across the route
• Challenge and support teams to apply standards consistently and effectively
• Champion new ways of working and drive improvements in OTM use and capability
• Coach colleagues to build confidence in track geometry / rail grinding data and decision-making
• Share best practice and help shape future OTM strategy
• Carry out PAISS checks to ensure high standards are maintained
• Investigate issues and provide clear insights to improve performance and reliability

Salary: 3C / £55,956-£65,966

Location: Horsham, with requirements to work from other offices in Sussex such as Cover House, Clapham and Brighton.

This is a full-time permanent position.

Remote working opportunity! This role requires working in the office 3 days a week

Closing date: 08.07.2026 - Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews will be held Wednesday 23 rd and Thursday 24 th July in Cover House, Three Bridges

What's in it for you

Here are a few of the benefits we offer

• 28 day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
• Private Healthcare
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
• Gym Pass - access to gyms across UK.
• My Benefits platform - giving national and local retail discount

Your experience and skills

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate the following essential & desirable criteria:

• Proven experience in OTM management, processes and techniques
• Strong knowledge of track geometry measurement techniques and reporting processes.
• Strong knowledge of rail grinding.
• Solid understanding of safety and compliance management processes
• Knowledge of track access planning processes
• Knowledge of other functional disciplines
• Knowledge of railway operations and cross-functional working
• Detailed knowledge of relevant standards and procedures
• Knowledge of operational railway environment
• Strong communication, organisation and influencing skills

Desirable

• Incorporated Engineer
• Knowledge of coaching techniques

If you're passionate about helping the railway perform at its best, join the Sussex team and play your part in keeping the network moving.

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible.

Been referred by a friend, then please complete this form .

You can visit Evenbreak's 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.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

* Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer. **

Key Information

Vacancy Details

Number of Positions

Contract Type

Permanent

Hours

Full Time

Salary

£55,596 - £65,966

Location

MMT Horsham, Horsham

Geographical Area

South East England (Not inside M25)

Closing Date

08-JUL-2026

Job Category

Site based Maintenance

Function

Southern Region

Organisation

OE Area Services, Croydon, Indirect (871036) G1

Attachments

JD Route On Track Machine Engineer.doc

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