Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)
Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
Job Overview: We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter to join our team, working on rail grinding machines across the UK. This role involves working within a team of 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail track grinding trains to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a dirty and physically demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home). Applicants must have a strong background in heavy industrial maintenance.
Key Responsibilities: - Maintenance and Operation:
- Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines in line with operational requirements.
- Perform daily maintenance duties, including changing grinding stones, cleaning machines, and addressing accumulated dirt behind grinders.
- Operate the grinding machinery safely and effectively, adhering to the operational procedures.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.
- Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.
- Serve as 2nd man/fire watch during grinding operations.
- Additional Responsibilities:
- Undertake general maintenance, including chipping and blowing.
- Assist the Grinding or Maintenance Supervisor as needed.
- Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.
Person Specification: - Qualifications & Experience:
- NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
- Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance, such as agriculture, aggregates, rolling stock, offshore, or plant fitting.
- Hydraulics and pneumatics experience is highly desirable.
- Must hold a full driving licence.
- Skills:
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Comfortable working in a dirty, hands-on role involving heavy machinery.
- Flexible with travel requirements (up to 3 weeks away per month).
- Strong understanding of health and safety regulations.
Starting salary and package as follows: - £41,400 (Level 1)
- 2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = £6,300 annually in April and Sept
- Working away allowance: £25 per night tax free worth c£7,000 annually
- After 6 months' probation, salary rises to £46,000 (Level 2)
- When you reach level 3 status your salary goes to £48,000
- OTE after 2 years = c£70,000
MUST HAVES:
- NVQ LEVEL 3 IN AN ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
- FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE
- CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
- ABILITY TO PASS A MEDICAL
- BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE PURPOSES
- ABLE TO WORK AWAY FROM HOME
Working away rota: - 3 weeks working away, 1 week home leave (so 13 weeks home leave per year)
- 5 weeks' annual leave on top (18 weeks' leave in total).
Work Schedule: - Shift Patterns:
- 6 days on, 1 day off while away, when working a 4-night shift pattern, you will be given 2 days off.
- You will be working 280 hours over 8 weeks.
- You will be provided with a detailed monthly rota, but flexibility is essential.
- Travel:
- Extensive travel across the UK.
- Lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels, with breakfast included.
- £25 per night tax-free travel allowance when working away.
- Holiday & Time Off:
- 34 days' annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Accrue additional time when working away, with the potential for up to 13 extra weeks of time off annually, depending on shift patterns.
- Paid overtime is available for home-based weeks, paid at a flat rate.
- Additional Benefits:
- The use of a company van and fuel card when needed.
- Life assurance and health care cash plan.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme for well-being.
- Eye care vouchers.
- Long service awards and seasonal ticket loan options.
Training & Progression: - Full training will be provided, including manual handling, machine setup, and pack-away for operation.
- Progression opportunities include advancing from Level 1 to Level 3, with the chance to increase salary significantly within two years.
- Opportunities for further progression include training to become a train operator, which requires a psychometric test.
Work Environment: - You will work in a close-knit team of engineers, building long-lasting relationships.
- The work involves being on board rail grinding machines, sometimes working in dirty and dusty conditions.
- You will have access to "comfort carriages" on the trains, providing facilities such as breakout areas, kitchens, toilets, and a manager s office.
- We prioritise your safety, providing full protective gear, including air-supplied masks and safety boots.
To apply for this role, please send your CV to through the link, and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and also your availability to attend an interview.