Assistant Engineer; Geotechnical - Graduate

Who We Are

Network Rail is dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

Stretching from Crewe to London Euston, West Coast South is part of Europe’s busiest mixed‑use railway, moving millions of passengers and 10% of the UK’s freight each year. With over 1,000 miles of track and 64 stations, it is a vital link between major cities and local communities. As part of the North West & Central region, we serve 1.3 million passengers daily and move 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly, covering a quarter of the national network.

Start your engineering career with real impact. This Assistant Engineer (Geotech) role is an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain hands‑on experience while working on some of the UK’s most important infrastructure. It is a structured pathway into a senior engineering role, providing the chance to work closely with experienced engineers on live projects, develop technical expertise and achieve professional accreditation and Chartered status.

• Support the inspection and assessment of geotechnical assets to ensure safety and performance standards are met
• Analyse asset condition, maintenance trends and potential risks to inform decision‑making
• Assist in developing repair and renewal solutions based on engineering evaluations
• Provide technical support and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across projects
• Gain experience in geohazard assessment, ground investigation and ground engineering construction

Salary
:
Band 5, £32,000 – £35,000

• 28‑day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75 % discount on 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 the UK
• My Benefits platform – national and local retail discounts

• A full UK driving licence is essential, as you will travel to a variety of sites, often in remote areas where public transport is limited.
• You will be primarily based in Birmingham but will travel regularly across the West Coast route, with expenses for travel and accommodation fully covered.
• You will be required to achieve PTS and COSS certification; training will be provided if you do not yet have these.
• The role combines office‑based work and hands‑on site experience, providing practical skills alongside technical knowledge.
• You should hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Geology, Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering (or equivalent relevant experience).

Some roles require face‑to‑face Drugs & Alcohol testing, with details provided as part of the formal offer. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.