Join the people that enable trains to run throughout the UK. Manage the electrical network for the power going into trains and make sure our passengers travel safely.
Electrical Control is how we keep thousands of trains moving across our railway. Our Electrical Control Operators monitor, maintain and safely deliver the power to our railway that enables thousands of trains to travel. They are responsible for overseeing, troubleshooting, and maintaining our electrification systems to keep the UK moving.
As an Electrical Control Operator (ECO), you’ll be responsible for maintaining electrical supplies across our railway. You’ll need to monitor the status of electrical networks, respond to alarms and telephone calls, and resolve any faults and failures. Learn how to recognise different alarm types, and the meaning of each, to respond to new challenges in order to keep our passengers safe.
Our ECOs work a variety of shift patterns, including nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. It’s not for everyone – but you’ll finish the day knowing the work you’re doing have helped millions reach their destinations safely.
It’s important you have experience working with high voltage systems such as overhead lines, power grid or industrial units. You should be comfortable working with high voltage systems in high pressure environments, using excellent communication skills across a range of methods. You must also have an Electrical Engineering qualification, job-based training or experience, to be considered for this role.
We also want to see that you have the right transferable skills and behaviours to join us as an Electrical Control Operator.
Make sure you also check out other Frequently Asked Questions on our FAQs page.
Age; You need to be 18 or over to apply for all our Operations roles. There is no upper age limit.
Right to work; These roles are not eligible for skilled worker visa sponsorship.
Qualifications; You must have an Electrical Engineering qualification, job-based training or experience, to be considered for this role.
Your eligibility will be checked as part of our onboarding process which consists of right-to-work verification, DBS screening, employment references, medical assessment, drugs and alcohol testing and pre-employment checks.
As this is a safety-critical role, you’ll need to pass a pre-employment medical assessment, drugs and alcohol screening, and any other required checks. Before applying please check these FAQs thoroughly and all relevant areas of the website about the role you are interested in before beginning your application as there are pre-excluding conditions we cannot accommodate in these roles.
You must not have a medical condition, or be undergoing treatment, that is likely to cause:
The information above is a guide and every candidate is assessed individually. These risks are assessed in line with industry guidance, including the RSSB standard on managing sudden incapacity in safety-critical roles.
Due to working time regulations and fatigue standards, you will need to currently live within a specified travel time of the signalling location you are applying for. This is typically 50 to 60 minutes.
Applications based on relocation won’t be considered.
Please note, some locations will also require you to have access to your own vehicle due to limited public transportation options.
The railway operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You’ll need to be comfortable working shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
The specific working arrangements for each role will be detailed in specific job adverts
Each of our Electrical Control Operator roles are assigned a grade. Generally, the higher the grade the more responsibility you’ll have, and the more complex tasks you’ll carry out.
When you apply, you’ll be asked to select which grade you’d like to apply for. As part of the process, you’ll take a test which will evaluate what grade we think would suit you. If you don’t achieve the grade you apply for, we’ll keep your application on our system and let you know which other roles or locations might be suitable for you.
As an Electrical Control Operator, you’ll complete structured training that builds on your existing electrical knowledge and prepares you to work safely within the railway environment. This includes learning Network Rail’s electrical systems, operational procedures and safety standards, alongside practical training on the equipment and processes used in the control room. Training and ongoing development continue as procedures, technology and safety requirements evolve.
The recruitment journey includes several stages designed to assess your suitability for this safety-critical role, from initial eligibility checks and online assessments through to interview and assessment day.
Being a Electrical Control Operator is challenging, rewarding and vital to keeping the railway running safely. You’ll carry real responsibility and we’ll support you as you build the knowledge, confidence and skills to succeed.
If you still have questions about being an ECO our quick-fire FAQs are here to help.
There are no current vacancies for this role, but that changes regularly. Register your interest and we’ll contact you when suitable opportunities open.
