In 1839 Ramsbottom joined Sharp, Roberts and Company of Manchester afterwhich he was recommended, by Charles Beyer, in 1842, to become locomotive superintendent of the Manchester and Birmingham Railway. When the M&BR was amalgamated with the London & Birmingham Railway Ramsbottom became district superintendant of the LNWR. In 1857 he then became locomotive superintendant at Crewe.He retired in 1871.

Inventor of the Ramsbottom-type safety valve.