The importance of the London Sovereign (RATP Group) Fleet Engineer role
As a Fleet Engineer for London Sovereign (part of the RATP Group), you are the backbone of keeping one of London’s most vital transport services safe, reliable, and efficient. Your role ensures that buses are maintained to the highest standards, meeting both safety regulations and operational deadlines. Day-to-day, this means overseeing inspections, diagnosing faults, managing repairs, liaising with depot teams, and ensuring compliance with Transport for London standards. Fleet Engineers here typically earn between £45,000 – £55,000 per year, depending on experience, with opportunities for progression into senior engineering and management positions.
With the high standards of the RATP Group, the interview process is designed to test not only your technical ability but also your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. That’s where preparation is key—and with my 25+ years of UK-based career coaching experience, I’m going to guide you through the top 25 interview questions and answers you need to master to stand out.
1. Tell us about yourself.
This is your chance to make a strong first impression.
Answer: “I’m a qualified Fleet Engineer with over X years in heavy vehicle maintenance, specialising in PSV (Public Service Vehicle) standards. I’ve worked with both preventative maintenance schedules and emergency repair, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum compliance. I thrive in high-pressure environments and am passionate about keeping public transport safe and reliable for the community.”
2. What do you know about London Sovereign (RATP Group)?
Answer: “London Sovereign operates bus services under contract with TfL, as part of the RATP Group—one of the world’s largest public transport operators. I know your focus is on operational excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction, with depots strategically located in Harrow and Edgware.”
3. Why do you want to work here?
Answer: “I value the strong safety culture and the opportunity to work with modern fleet technology under a global transport leader. I’m excited to contribute my engineering expertise to a team that plays a direct role in keeping London moving.”
4. What does a Fleet Engineer do on a daily basis?
Answer: Describe preventative maintenance checks, liaising with technicians, ensuring compliance, reporting, and managing breakdown responses.
5. Describe your experience with PSV inspections.
Answer: Give an example of how you’ve conducted DVSA-standard inspections, including brake tests, emissions checks, and defect rectification.
Competency-Based Questions (STAR model)
6. Tell me about a time you solved a complex mechanical problem.
S: A bus returned with intermittent braking issues.
T: Diagnose and resolve the problem under tight schedule pressure.
A: I performed a systematic check, traced it to a faulty air dryer valve, sourced a replacement, and supervised the repair.
R: The bus was back in service within hours, preventing service delays and ensuring safety.
7. Give an example of when you improved workshop efficiency.
S: Maintenance delays due to poor parts tracking.
T: Streamline the system.
A: Introduced a barcode scanning process for parts inventory.
R: Reduced downtime by 15% and improved accountability.
8. Tell me about a safety issue you identified.
Answer using STAR:
S – Spotted worn steering components during a routine inspection.
T – Ensure immediate repair before the bus returned to service.
A – Reported it, quarantined the vehicle, supervised the part replacement.
R – Prevented a potential on-road failure and upheld safety standards.
9. Describe a time you managed conflict in your team.
Use STAR to show leadership and resolution skills.
10. Have you ever trained junior staff?
Answer: Yes—give a STAR example showing structured training, mentoring, and resulting performance improvement.
Technical Questions
11. How do you stay up to date with bus technology?
Answer: Mention manufacturer updates, technical bulletins, CPD courses, and networking with industry peers.
12. What diagnostic tools do you use?
Answer: List specific software (e.g., Jaltest, Texa) and how you apply data for quick fault resolution.
13. How would you handle a fleet-wide recall?
Answer: Explain coordinating with OEMs, planning workshop schedules, and minimising service disruption.
14. What’s your experience with hybrid or electric buses?
Give detailed examples of battery system checks, high-voltage safety, and OEM training.
15. How do you ensure compliance with TfL and DVSA standards?
Answer by listing regular audits, documentation, and inspections.
Situational / Problem-Solving Questions
16. A bus breaks down during rush hour—what do you do?
Explain rapid response, safety, communication with control, and arranging a replacement vehicle.
17. You’re short on staff but facing a major maintenance backlog—how do you prioritise?
Show decision-making based on safety first, service commitments, and resource allocation.
18. Management requests cost savings without compromising safety—how do you approach it?
Give examples of smarter procurement, preventative maintenance, and efficiency improvements.
Teamwork & Leadership
19. How do you motivate your team during challenging periods?
Answer: Recognise achievements, provide support, and lead by example.
20. How do you communicate technical issues to non-technical staff?
Explain translating jargon into clear, actionable instructions.
Closing & Candidate Questions
21. What are your strengths?
Focus on technical skill, leadership, problem-solving.
22. What are your weaknesses?
Choose a real, minor weakness and explain how you’re improving it.
23. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Show ambition within the company, perhaps moving into senior engineering leadership.
24. Why should we hire you?
Confidently summarise your fit for the role.
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Ask about training, new fleet technology, and future projects—showing long-term interest.
Do’s and Don’ts for your London Sovereign Fleet Engineer Interview
Do research the company and role thoroughly.
Do bring specific examples using the STAR method.
Do prepare for both technical and behavioural questions.
Don’t badmouth previous employers.
Don’t give vague answers—be precise.
Don’t forget to smile and engage with your interviewers.
Final encouragement from Jerry Frempong – UK Career Coach
I’ve coached hundreds of engineers over the past 25 years, and here’s what I know—you have far more value to offer than you might realise. Preparation is your secret weapon. Walk into that interview knowing your experience, skills, and mindset already make you a strong candidate. Use these questions to practice out loud, refine your answers, and build your confidence.
The London Sovereign (RATP Group) Fleet Engineer role is a fantastic opportunity to grow in a respected, stable, and forward-looking transport company. Go in with your head high, your examples ready, and the belief that you belong in that seat.
If you’d like 1-to-1 professional interview coaching with me, Jerry Frempong, to prepare you for this specific role or any other, you can book an appointment today and let’s get you the job you deserve.
