Principal Technical Officer [Electrification & Plant] (Ashford MSP)
Who We Are
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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.
Principal Technical Officer \- Electrification \& Plant: Power Up Rail Reliability!
Location: Ashford MSP
Salary: Starting from £50,238 \+ Location allowance and Role Associated Allowances
Hours: Full\-Time
Shift Pattern: Days, Nights \& Weekends *(Safety\-Critical Role)*
We're looking for an experienced and safety\-focused professional to join our team as a Principal Technical Officer (PTO) \- Electrification \& Plant (E\&P) . This is a key technical leadership role where you'll provide expert guidance, assurance, and support to ensure the safe and efficient maintenance and renewal of E\&P assets across the network.
You'll act as the technical authority for electrification and plant systems, supporting delivery teams, managing compliance with standards, and driving continuous improvement. You'll also provide technical support to the Maintenance Engineering team , ensuring work is planned and executed to the highest standards.
About the role
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What you'll do
Carry out work safely and in accordance with safe systems of work procedures, method statements, plans, and instructions.
Manage and check the quality of work delivered and confirm assets are compliant with standards.
Prepare and manage work specifications, method statements, and resource plans.
Manage information to update systems, databases, and records accurately.
Adhere to company policies and procedures at all times.
Undertake and supervise technical tasks, surveys, and design work.
Design, install, test, and commission E\&P equipment.
Provide technical support and guidance to teams and stakeholders.
Undertake technical inspections, tests, investigations, and analysis of technical data.
Prioritise work arising and agree work plans for the group.
Prepare specifications and requisitions for materials.
Manage processes and systems for calibration and certification of tools and equipment.
Contribute to your own development and support the development of others.
Your experience and skills
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What you'll need
Knowledge and experience of technical support activities and techniques.
Strong understanding of electrification and plant maintenance and construction management processes, systems, and standards.
Knowledge and experience of design requirements, processes, and techniques.
Ability to demonstrate, promote, and embed safe working behaviours within the team.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to coach, influence, and develop others effectively.
Hold and retain competencies relevant to this post and required by business need.
Ideally hold or be working towards NVQ Level 3 or 4 (or equivalent) in an engineering or leadership subject.
A valid driving licence and willingness to drive as required by business need.
Important Information
This is a safety\-critical role , which means you'll need to pass a medical assessment and be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Flexibility is essential as the role involves working days, nights, and weekends when required.
Perks That Pack a Punch:
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer's leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees.
We're All About Inclusion
- We believe diversity drives innovation. Whoever you are, however you identify, wherever you're from \- if you've got the skills and the spark, we want you on our team. No suits required. Just bring your authentic self.
Key Information
Vacancy Details
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Number of Positions:1
Contract Type:Permanent
Hours:Full Time
Location:Ashford
Geographical Area:South East England (Not inside M25\)
Closing Date:26\-MAY\-2026
Job Category:Mobile Maintenance \& Response
Function:Southern Region
Organisation:DD AEPME Ashford Indirect (830802\) G1
Location Map
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