Network Management Engineer

I joined Network Rail back in January 2007 within the IT Helpdesk as a Helpdesk Operator. By October 2010 I gained a promotion as a Technical Service Analyst within the IT Helpdesk. Towards the end of 2017 I was ready to move into a position where I was more involved in the Railway itself. That was when I decided to take the chance and apply for the role of Network Management Engineer in Telecoms (FTN). I had many years' experience in IT so it was to be a complete change in career. I was successful in my application and that is where I would see the impact of the Telecoms Network on the smooth running of both passenger and freight trains and the effects it has on 'Putting Passengers First'. Network Rail holds a huge telecoms network that carries everything from Signal Post Telephones to Solid State Interlocking. We manage and maintain over 21000 devices and 50000 services using various Management Platforms. You will get to speak to field technicians all over the country and
build some fantastic relationships. Reacting to events, diagnosing faults and getting them fixed still gets me excited. It has exposed me to lots of different areas within the railway including the GSM-R and IP Networks and how they all interlink with the Fixed Telecom Network (FTN) and it is truly fascinating. I have now secured a role as an Optimisation Engineer and the knowledge and experience I have gained as a NME will be a great asset to my new role. I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and the opportunities that it will bring. - Becci Thursfield-Smith
Main Responsibilities

You shall conduct administrative and complex technical activities to progress complaints and network alarms, working directly with remote management platforms and field-based maintainers to restore service and resolve technical failures within agreed operational service agreements, in line with the ITIL Framework and mandated Network Rail standards, highlighting safety related failures for further processing. You shall conduct administrative and technical activities to support the successful delivery of planned work for both operational failures and Investment Project activities. You shall coach and mentor technicians to conduct event management of complaints and alarms presented on remote management platforms and provide technical support to field-based maintainers.

What will you be doing?

• Conduct event filtering, correlation and alarm monitoring of Operational rail systems including Voice and Station Information & Security Systems. Identify and validate potential incidents and problems, including proactive trend analysis.



• Investigate, analyse and diagnose potential incidents. Identify Safety Related Telecom Failures and comply with Telecom Maintenance Testing and Fault Investigation Processes.



• To co-ordinate with Network Rail Project commissioning engineers, in bringing elements under management.



• To interface with Field and maintenance contractors as appropriate to resolve issues affecting NR Telecom services.



• To accurately document all activities associated with the work, including alarms, test results, and resolution details.



• Conduct tasks/activities to provide assurance that Planned Work activities have no unforeseen adverse impact to systems performance or integrity. Conduct tasks/activities in support of a successful Planned Work outcome. Monitor the progression of Planned Works and other proactive maintenance activities., At Network Rail, we have a number of employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. We have Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on Diversity & Inclusion at Network Rail, please follow this link
  
  What essential skills and experiences are required?


• Experience in telecom network management.


• Working knowledge & understanding of Voice networks, Station Information and Security Systems and PDH.


• Practical experience of fault finding and fault resolution.


• Practical experience of managing planned maintenance & network interruptions.


• Telecoms qualifications through to degree or relevant experience.


We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-disciplined group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.

The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers.

Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.

As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway - we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool - it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant.

Get ready to embark on a journey where your skills will not just be utilised; they'll be honed and expanded. You're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a collective force helping to build and operate a railway fit for the next 200 years!

We're an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.

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.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.

We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments

Plus, more….

We are proud to be recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality for the third year in a row.

Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country's economic prosperity. Safety is our number one priority.