Professional Careers

The administrative career begins at the Administrative Assistant II level, progressing to Administrative Assistant I.
An Administrative Assistant II is responsible for providing qualified support to technicians, performing tasks such as registration, document control, file management, and human resources, financial, or logistical processes, as well as assisting in the procurement of materials and services.
An Administrative Assistant I, with a higher level of specialisation, plans and supervises the activities of other employees, produces and analyses information, and may, when necessary, perform the duties of Administrative Assistant II.
This career spans all CP business areas. See here for possible work locations.

A career in sales can begin as a Sales Operator or as a Ticket Inspector. These entry-level positions can evolve into Sales Team Leader, Sales Service Inspector, or Sales Technician (for technical profiles in the sales area).
A Sales Operator provides customer service, providing information, selling tickets and products, and may also carry out inspection activities.
A Ticket Inspector is responsible for inspecting tickets on trains and at stations. They may also sell tickets and provide customer support. When necessary, they also perform driver support and railway safety functions and guide manoeuvring services.
A Sales Team Leader coordinates and supervises the activities of other workers and ensures the operational management of the different sales areas. They are also responsible for managing facilities and equipment and may collaborate in the implementation of commercial partnerships and the organisation of passenger groups.
A Sales Service Inspector assists in the operational management. They also guide and supervise inspection, sales and customer support services, control revenue collection and verify the quality of the company’s commercial services.
A Chief Sales Service Inspector leads the operational management of sales staff and/or the integrated management of commercial resources and operations, coordinating sales, information and service activities. They also monitor service quality, resolve operational and sales problems and supervise sales service inspectors.
A Sales Technician II performs and coordinates sales and customer support activities, ranging from market prospecting to after-sales, ensuring service quality and customer satisfaction. They draw up commercial regulations and documents and carry out market, supply and demand, or service quality studies.
A Sales Technician I coordinates and guides workers and, in addition, performs more demanding and responsible duties corresponding to the category of Commercial Technician II, whenever necessary.
This career is characteristic of the Sales area. It distributes its employees across the Ticket Inspect in Depots and Stations, and they may also collaborate in central or regional bodies.

The Driving Career starts in the category of Driver, and can progress to Technical Driver, Traction Assistant, Traction Inspector and Chief Traction Inspector.
The Train Driver is a worker qualified to drive trains, locomotives and other railway vehicles, ensuring their technical preparation, safety and operation under the rules in force. They also carry out checks and repairs on railway vehicles. They may drive trains intended for the transport of passengers or goods on the National Railway Network.
The Technical Train Driver performs all the duties assigned to the train driver. They provide management or operational support and may supervise and train new drivers. They may also drive trains intended for the transport of passengers or goods on the European Rail System.
The Traction Assistant performs management activities for traction personnel and rolling stock, as well as administrative activities at traction stations and depots. They collect and analyse tachometric data, check the operating and safety conditions of rolling stock, and prepare trains for departure. They may also move motor units during manoeuvres, in workshops and depots.
The Traction Inspector ensures the guidance and supervision of the operational activities of driving personnel. They may lead or assist in the management of driving personnel. They guide, supervise and verify the technical quality of driving and compliance with regulatory provisions on traffic safety. They carry out technical activities and also check and report on the behaviour of rolling stock. In certain situations, they may carry out operations to prepare and drive motor units and trains.
The Chief Traction Inspector is responsible for the management and integrated management of resources in central or local bodies. They collaborate in technical studies, advisory, programming and service control activities. May carry out and/or participate in inquiries and reports. When necessary, they may perform the duties of a Traction Inspector.
This career is characteristic of the Operations area, with employees assigned to Depots and Traction Posts.

The career path for administrative assistants is divided into two categories: Administrative Assistant and Head Administrative Assistant.
An Administrative Assistant is responsible for informing, directing and announcing visitors, receiving and delivering correspondence and documents. They also carry out document reproduction and filing tasks. They perform the duties of a doorman or security guard for the premises.
In addition, they prepare meeting rooms, tidying up and cleaning as necessary.
A Head Administrative Assistant is responsible for distributing and guiding the work of a team of Administrative Assistants and, when necessary, performs the duties assigned to an Administrative Assistant.
This career is characteristic of management support services, with most employees located in central and local offices (see where we are here).

The Design Career is divided into Draftsman and Design Draftsman.
A Draftsman is responsible for studying, designing, executing, modifying and reproducing technical drawings for the manufacture, assembly and maintenance of equipment, machines, systems, circuits or the construction and repair of facilities. They also prepare diagrams, models and schematics and perform specific calculations to define scales, dimensions and quantities.
A Design Draftsman performs highly specialised and responsible work, designing or studying the development of preliminary designs or projects. This involves carrying out their study, sketching or drawing, performing calculations, and determining quantities and costs for budgets and specifications. They may also guide Drafsmen in specific tasks and, when necessary, perform more demanding or complex duties in this category.
This career is found in various units, including Heritage and Works, Maintenance and Engineering, and Safety and Security, with most employees located in central and local offices (see where we are here).

The Systems Management Career has two categories: Systems Technician and Systems Specialist.

A Systems Technician is responsible for identifying, resolving or forwarding user problems. They receive materials and manage equipment (hardware) and application programmes (software), ensuring that records of changes are maintained.

They provide specialised support to other professionals within the company. They configure and develop computer applications.

A Systems Specialist is responsible for administering computer networks and analysing and resolving more complex problems. They analyse systems and/or information media and tailor application solutions to the needs of the services. They also perform tasks related to the installation and maintenance of software and hardware, plan and design computer systems and applications and, when necessary, perform the tasks of a Systems Technician.

The Information Systems area is responsible for allocating this career and is located in Reboleira.

The Facilities Career starts with the Fixed Facilities Maintenance Operator category and can progress to Works and Maintenance Supervisor.
A Fixed Installations Maintenance Operator is responsible for carrying out, monitoring and supervising repair, maintenance and improvement work on installations or equipment. They ensure operational interconnection between CP and maintenance service providers, monitoring and controlling the facility maintenance service contracts. As part of these activities, they are also responsible for collaborating in scheduling and controlling maintenance, bookkeeping, and supporting the preparation of technical documents and projects for the acquisition or contracting of services. They also prepare reports and participate in expert assessments and inquiries on matters within their competence.
A Works and Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for monitoring and supervising repair, improvement or maintenance work on facilities and equipment, providing technical and administrative support in the reception of materials and works. They ensure the operational link between CP and maintenance companies, controlling the contracts. They collaborate in the scheduling and control of facility maintenance and perform bookkeeping or other administrative and procurement tasks. They participate in the preparation of projects, specifications and other documentation necessary for the acquisition or contracting of services. They prepare technical reports and participate in expert assessments and inquiries on matters within their competence. Whenever necessary, performs the duties of Fixed Installations Maintenance Operator.
This career is available in various units, such as Heritage and Works and Safety and Security, located mainly in Lisbon and Porto.

The Logistics Career is divided into the categories of Logistics Operator and Logistics Technician.
A Logistics Operator participates in the acquisition and management of materials, tools, equipment and services. They check the conformity of goods received or shipped with the respective documentation, record incoming and outgoing materials, and call on other company departments for quality checks when necessary. They also arrange for the return to suppliers and handle complaints of materials that do not meet specifications .
In addition, they perform tasks related to the storage of raw materials or other materials, participate in and supervise the loading and unloading of materials, and participate in the process of transporting materials between company departments. They participate in the preparation and updating of the inventory of materials in the warehouses, proposing improvements in its control and keeping the warehouses clean and organised.
A Logistics Technician performs specialised technical activities in central, regional or local departments, involving planning, control, analysis, study, issuing opinions, monitoring and proposing process changes. They manage the transport of materials and equipment between the different CP departments, ensuring the economic availability of the materials necessary for production. They guide and coordinate the activity of workers and perform, when necessary, the duties of Logistics Operator.
This career is in the Purchasing and Logistics area, mainly in Lisbon, Oeiras, Barreiro, Entroncamento and Porto.

The Maintenance Career starts with the Maintenance Technician category, and can progress to Maintenance Supervisor, Materials Technician II and Materials Technician I.
A Maintenance Technician performs various tasks related to the installation, maintenance and repair of mechanical, electrical and electronic installations and equipment. They are responsible for regulating, tuning, operating and manoeuvring tools, machines and all industrial equipment.
When qualified, they can manufacture, assemble, transform, repair and install structures, flooring, coatings and components for machines, furniture, vehicles and other works using products suitable for the purpose. They can also perform non-destructive tests, device calibration work, and drive, manoeuvre or operate machines.
This category has the following specialisations: mechanic, electromechanic, electrician, calibration operator, painter and interior designer.
A Maintenance Manager is responsible for studying, supporting, advising and carrying out activities related to their skills and specialisation. They are responsible for carrying out work, organising, guiding and coordinating work teams and ensuring the quality of the activity performed. When necessary, they perform tasks in the areas of manufacturing, construction, assembly, maintenance, improvement or repair of rolling stock, facilities and equipment. In addition, they manage the personnel, machinery, tools and materials necessary for the maintenance and manufacture of rolling stock. Whenever necessary, they perform the duties of Maintenance Technician.
A Material Technician II provides technical support in the maintenance and repair of rolling stock. Collaborates in the planning, control, analysis, study, issuance of opinions, monitoring and proposals for process changes. Analyses equipment failures and ensures their registration and control, as well as the production of reports and management indicators. Carries out and/or participates in technical inquiries into accidents or incidents involving rolling stock and develops studies for the transformation of existing equipment or support for the acquisition of new equipment. Collaborates in the preparation of standards and other regulatory documents.
A Material Technician I is responsible for guiding and coordinating workers. When necessary, they perform the duties corresponding to the category of Equipment Technician II, principally those of greater demand and responsibility.
This career is in the Maintenance and Engineering area and is mainly located in the Workshops.

The Rolling stock and Shunting career starts in the rolling stock and shunting preparatory category and can progress to Rolling stock and Shunting Team Leader and Material and Manoeuvring Supervisor.
A Rolling Stock and Shunting Preparer is responsible for reviewing and preparing rolling stock, performing manoeuvres, coupling and uncoupling operations, including all necessary connections. They support brake testing, check the operational status and cleanliness of rolling stock, and carry out refuelling if necessary. They also assist in the formation and deformation of trains and transmit information on the condition of the rolling stock. They carry out minor repairs, lubrication, cleaning and replacement of components. They are responsible for receiving and checking the conformity of the rolling stock. They check the operating and safety conditions and may move motor units in shunting activities.
A Rolling Stock and Shunting Team Leader is responsible for leading, organising and distributing the work of the team under their charge. They manage the facilities, machinery, tools and materials assigned to the services. In addition, they analyse and solve more complex technical problems. They help assess labour needs and suggest measures related to personnel. They manage maintenance and cleaning contracts for rolling stock, equipment or facilities. When needed, they do the work of the Material and Manoeuvring Preparer.
A Rolling Stock and Shunting Supervisor performs study, support, advisory and execution functions in areas of their specialisation. They are responsible for the execution of work, organising, guiding, coordinating and verifying the activity and quality of work teams. They are responsible for managing personnel and operations in rolling stock parks. May carry out and/or participate in inquiries into accidents, incidents or other matters related to their area. Performs, when necessary, the tasks of the Rolling Stock and Shunting Team Leader.
This career is in the Maintenance and Engineering area, mainly in Rolling Stock Depots (Contumil, Campolide, Santa Apolónia, Carcavelos, Entroncamento, etc.).

The Revenue Supervision Career includes the categories of Sales and Revenue Inspector and Chief Sales and Revenue Inspector.

A Sales and Revenue Inspector is responsible for validating, controlling, and regularising sales/credit documents and the delivery of revenue to CP’s coffers.

They supervise the correct application of rules and other internal and external regulations. They carry out audits/balances at sales outlets and review depots. They promote actions aimed at reducing the fraud rate, and propose and participate in inquiries. They inspect activities related to the generation, accounting, safekeeping and dispatch/collection of revenue. In addition, monitors, supervises and manages sales processes, accounting of amounts, delivery/collection of revenue, order processes and payment of change.

A Chief Sales and Revenue Inspector coordinates and supervises the activities of the Sales and Revenue Inspectors. Assists in the preparation of invoices arising from credit sales. When necessary, performs the duties of Sales and Revenue Inspector. In addition, they participate in or coordinate inquiries in situations that require regulatory clarification.

This career is mainly found in the Commercial Unit, in Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon.

The Senior Technician Career includes Senior Technician II and Senior Technician I. A Senior Technician is an employee with higher education qualifications to whom the company assigns duties that require higher education qualifications.
A Senior Technician II has 180 to 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, has higher education and, with in-depth knowledge of a specific area and taking into account their academic training and professional experience, manages complex technical or professional activities or projects, assumes responsibility for decision-making in unpredictable study or work contexts and in matters of individual and collective professional development management.
A Senior Technician I has more than 240 ECTS credits, higher education and, given their academic background and professional experience, highly specialised knowledge in a specific area. They manage and transform complex and unpredictable study or work contexts that require new strategic approaches. They take on responsibilities to contribute to professional knowledge and practices and/or to review the strategic performance of work teams. When necessary, they perform the tasks of a Senior Technician II.

A Traffic Controller is responsible for monitoring and controlling rail traffic, taking the necessary and appropriate measures to prevent or resolve any incidents identified. They record and report any anomalies identified and incidents verified on the rail network to the competent external bodies and entities. They activate the defined communication channels to speed up the restoration of normal traffic, promote the launch of alternative transport and contact the authorities and other competent institutions. In addition, they must ensure the collection and processing of rail traffic monitoring data, manage towed material and, in the event of disruption, adjust the rotation of material to ensure the scheduled service.

A Railway Specialist performs highly demanding and responsible technical study or support, advisory or supervisory functions in specific areas of activity requiring a high level of professional competence, experience and specialisation. They analyse, monitor, plan and prepare studies, projects, opinions and proposals in order to contribute to the development and implementation of solutions with added value for the company. They are also responsible for producing and analysing indicators and statistical information to support management decisions.

A Safety and Civil Protection Technician is responsible for coordinating and managing the protection and safety of people and property, ensuring the coordination of resources in incident management, and guaranteeing leadership and responsibility for managing the appropriate protection and safety needs of customers and workers. They must ensure incident management and response to emergency situations. They ensure the supervision of the installation of protection and safety systems. They monitor the performance of protection and safety services and collaborate in the resolution of safety incidents. They are also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards and proposing improvements to protection and safety processes. They collaborate and supervise security and surveillance services. In addition, they also collaborate in the identification and analysis of risk factors in the field of security and in the planning and implementation of internal and external awareness-raising actions. They collaborate in providing support in the event of railway accidents and in the preparation of emergency plans.

An Occupational Safety Inspector is responsible for checking the condition of facilities, equipment and workspaces, identifying their conditions of use, hazards, risks and other relevant aspects, and proposing preventive, corrective and improvement measures. They must encourage workers to adopt attitudes that prevent accidents and occupational diseases, as well as analysing suggestions and complaints from employees. They collaborate, when necessary, in providing first aid and resolving emergencies or accidents. They analyse accidents and occupational diseases, presenting reports with suggestions for prevention. They provide information and collaborate in the preparation of preliminary designs for new facilities or renovations of existing ones. Help monitor or carry out inspections, audits, surveys or visits. They also develop or participate in the preparation and dissemination of regulations and information related to risk prevention and the improvement of working conditions.

A Laboratory Analyst selects and prepares the appropriate equipment for tests, analyses and experiments. They receive or collect samples of materials or products and prepare them for analysis and testing. They carry out analyses, tests and experiments to determine the composition and properties of raw materials and finished products, as well as their conditions of use.

A vehicle driver drives light or heavy vehicles, for passengers or goods, according to their specific professional qualifications. They assist in the loading, unloading and delivery of goods, luggage or other items. They carry out level checks and minor repairs, including replacing wheels in the event of a breakdown. They also ensure that the vehicle is in good working order, well-maintained and clean. In addition, they may perform tasks to support the activities of the body to which they belong.

A General Services Assistant performs auxiliary tasks to support the activities of local or central bodies, including transport, delivery, reproduction, lifting, binding, cutting, finishing, sorting, tidying, dispatch and filing of documents. They tidy, clean, load, unload and transport packages. They also monitor equipment, facilities and rolling stock, as well as informing and directing users or visitors when necessary. They refuel rolling stock, such as fuel and sand, and replace signs or tape. Provides support in administrative tasks and, when qualified, performs cleaning, maintenance and minor repairs of equipment within the scope of their activity. May also perform other tasks.

Professional Categories

Categories outside the career system