National Fleet Performance Engineer

Salary scale: £34,000 - £35,000 per annum

Closing date: 22 April 2026

What is the purpose of this job?  

This is a member and wider stakeholder facing role assisting Passenger Train Operator members in improving the performance of rolling stock.

This is achieved by leading and driving change and improvement by working with members and stakeholders to identify and implement fleet reliability improvement initiatives and promulgating industry best practice.

What can I expect to do in this job?  

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but things you can expect to lead and be involved with include:

• Developing and delivering a rolling two‑year programme of work for the Fleet Reliability Focus Forum (ReFocus), aligned to member and industry priorities.
• Working with train operators, ROSCOs and suppliers to identify, lead and implement fleet reliability improvement initiatives.
• Facilitating and supporting technical meetings, workshops and fleet visits, including chairing sessions where appropriate.
• Maintaining and updating the Fleet Management Good Practice Guide (The Twenty Point Plan), ensuring it reflects emerging industry good practice.
• Collating, analysing and publishing national fleet performance and reliability data, enabling comparison across vehicle classes.
• Arranging, chairing and providing secretariat support to industry User Groups, including CAF New Trains, QSK‑19, LeadMind, ASDO and Class 15X.
• Developing and managing the ReFocus business plan and budget, highlighting risks or issues where required.
• Line managing a Year Placement Engineer, supporting development and providing a positive learning environment.
• Providing support to the National Fleet Performance Manager as required.

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

1.       Essential

a)         Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

b)         Good analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to engineering and system issues.

c)         MS Excel proficient.

d)         Strong organisational and time management skills.

e)         Ability to manage their own activities and be required to set and resolve conflicting priorities and meet deadlines on a day-to-day basis, with a minimum of support.

f)          Engineering Degree in a Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic or Mechatronic Discipline.

g)         Ongoing personal development towards achieving Chartered Engineer status and a commitment to ongoing Continued Professional Development (CPD).

2.       Desirable

a)          Broad knowledge of the railway as a system – with a good appreciation of rolling stock systems and maintenance arrangements.

b)         Understanding of the economic aspects of the railway and the ability to assess business cases behind engineering decisions.

c)          Conflict resolution skills.

d)         Ability to work collaboratively to deliver successfully.

e)         Sensitive to the approach and points of view of counterparts from other rail industry organisations and ability to use diplomacy and discretion as appropriate to achieve the RDG and RDG members’ goals.

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.