The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, a registered charity, is seeking a Director to lead the engineering teams looking after its locomotives. Since forming in 1990, the Trust has enjoyed great success building and operating A1 Class No. 60163 Tornado, Britain’s only new build, main line certified steam locomotive, and is currently building a second locomotive, P2 Class No. 2007 Prince of Wales.
The Engineering Director will be key to driving this success forwards as the P2 build project reaches completion and the Trust moves towards operating and maintaining two working locomotives. Holding a prestigious role within a much-respected organisation, the Engineering Director will sit on, and report to, the Board of Trustees.
The position has become vacant following former Engineering Director Ben McDonald stepping back due to changes in works and family commitments. During more than five years in post, Ben oversaw a million-pound overhaul of Tornado, successful return to the network and subsequent proving of the newly installed ETCS (European Train Control System for digital signalling). Meanwhile, ensuring quality and accuracy of the three most expensive components for the P2 build (the boiler, tender and monobloc cylinders) which have all been delivered to Darlington in the last 3 years. The new Engineering Director will pick up the mantle, overseeing the established teams and driving the new build projects forwards.
The successful applicant will lead the team keeping No. 60163 Tornado in excellent condition for running on the main line and preserved railways, through responsive, planned and preventative engineering maintenance and repairs. Simultaneously, the Engineering Director will work closely with the team designing and building the brand new P2 locomotive. The P2 build project is reaching a critical point as all large components have
now been manufactured and delivered to Darlington Locomotive Works, the new purpose-built home of the Trust. This opportunity comes at an exciting time, as the Engineering Director will, over the coming 3-5years, see the P2 to completion and lead with engineering requirements as the locomotive goes through certification and enters traffic.
If you are interested in learning more about the role, please email recruitment@a1steam.com to arrange an informal discussion ahead of
the closing date of 20th February 2026.