Job Description

About us
Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. We've been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.
As a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future, we've invested over 3.5bn in new rolling stock and we're actively looking to invest a further 1bn in the years ahead. Since 2020, this includes over 550 million in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure.
Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we've been named the global sector leader in the annual GRESB sustainability assessment for the last four years.
Our teams are leading some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the railway today at our offices in Derby and London, and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire. The 135-acre site is an invaluable asset for the railway to test and trial new traction technologies.
The Porterbrook group of companies is wholly owned by supportive long-term institutional investors, fully committed to the future of the UK rail sector.
Our values
About the team
Our Fleet Services team support customers across the UK and offer a range of embedded support packages to help improve fleet reliability. The successful candidate will be joining a team of experienced engineers.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Engineering Graduate Trainee, to join the Porterbrook team.
Role Purpose
To support engineering and project delivery activities within the business. To gain experience and knowledge of traction and rolling stock systems and the wider rail industry through a series of placements (internal and external). To gain IMechE/IET competence through direct experience of engineering tasks which support safe, reliable, high quality and cost-effective rolling stock for Porterbrook's customers.
Key Responsibilities
General engineering and project delivery

• Follow processes to support the management of projects so that Porterbrook owned vehicles allow safe operation on the railway system
• Provide general support for technical investigations to continuously improve safety including National Incident Reports, Porterbrook's supplier accreditation process, audits and subsequent corrective action requests
• Working with Project Managers, to provide technical support to project delivery so that our projects are delivered to time, cost and quality objectives
• Provide project reports on your work to give sufficient visibility of progress, issues, costs, risks and opportunities within your projects
• Share all relevant information with the wider business to make sure that information about project schedules and other critical information is kept up to date
• Update the Project Execution Plan (PEP) workbook for your projects real time such that the workbook reflects the actual position of the project
• Support the Management of Change process to review the technical risks associated with any vehicle changes
• Support vehicle inspection and supplier visits when required
• Support the development of maintenance specifications, particularly any updates that are required during a project
• Support the audit of suppliers of maintenance/overhaul activities to ensure all necessary compliance is achieved
• Support technical investigation work requested by the Heads of Fleet Services, to provide support to customers on all technical issues affecting the vehicles that they lease that arise from projects. Ensure that these matters are appropriately prioritised and addressed
• Support the Head of Digital Engineering with the development and integration of new Digital Technology across our asset base

Other Duties

• Assist in providing general engineering services to/across the business as and when required
• Work towards either Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status through IMechE accredited monitored professional development scheme (MPDS), keeping all eMPDS documentation up to date

Skills / Experience
Porterbrook graduates' benefit from an IMechE accredited monitored professional development scheme (MPDS) which all entrants would join. This leads to either Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer status. The scheme's proven track record will provide a wide range of training and experience, both within Porterbrook and at other railway companies, leading to a responsible appointment within the company and a wider awareness of engineering management within the rail industry. General requirements for this scheme are an MEng in mechanical or electrical related discipline (or a BEng with commitment to further learning). The role is based in Derby or London (Derby preference) but will require the person to be able to travel and work off site with reasonable expenses paid for.
What you'll need to have

• Working towards MEng or BEng degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Associate Membership of Engineering Institution desirable but not essential
• Knowledge to be developed during the graduate scheme:
• Railway industry rolling stock, organisation and rail stakeholders
• Contractual obligations and operating lease agreements
• Project management tools
• Ability to understand and comment upon engineering instructions and drawings
• Understanding of vehicle maintenance and overhaul requirements
• Understanding of the use of new Digital technology on Railway assets

It would be great if you also had

• Project planning skills
• Report writing and presentation skills
• Organisational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy especially Microsoft Office and database knowledge

A great place to work
People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:

• Investors in People Gold accreditation
• Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation
• National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
• National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year

These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.
Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

• 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing support
• Flexible working
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development
• Long service awards
• Porterbrook Star awards
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave
• Additional days annual leave for long service
• Season ticket loan

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.
This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.
Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!
We support

Skills Required