Freight Train Captain

About the role

The Freight Train Captain will support the Operational Readiness Programme and the transition to commercial freight operations. This role involves training development, rule‑book validation, route familiarisation and hands‑on testing to ensure safe and efficient service launch.

Key responsibilities

• Participate in operational readiness activities, including training development, rule‑book validation and route familiarisation.
• Operate freight trains during testing, commissioning, dynamic testing, shadow operations and trial runs.
• Demonstrate safe operation under ETCS Level 2 and validate Driver Machine Interface functionality and degraded‑mode procedures.
• Record defects, observations and lessons learned, and provide feedback to engineering, signalling and operations teams.
• Perform train preparation, brake testing, shunting and terminal operations in accordance with approved procedures.
• Maintain punctuality, efficiency and high customer service standards while prioritising safety.

Required profile

• Valid operational certification for freight train operation.
• Current medical fitness, drugs & alcohol compliance and fatigue‑management adherence.
• Ability to work under normal, degraded, abnormal and emergency conditions with sound professional judgement.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and periodic competence assessments.

Required skills

• ETCS Level 2 operation
• Driver Machine Interface (DMI) handling