Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)
Location: Based in the Kent area (extensive travel still required)
Salary: Starting salary is £41,000 (Level 1) + 2 x 7.5% annual retention bonuses paid, with a scope to move up to level 3 and be earning up to £70,000 made up of a basic salary of £48,000 + bonuses and overtime.
Bonus: 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly
Annual Leave: 34 days annual leave + when working away you accrue 1 week’s holiday in every 3 worked, so another 13 weeks off.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter to join our team, working on rail grinding machines. This role is based in the Kent area but involves regular travel throughout the UK. You will be part of a team of around 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail grinding carriages to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a physically demanding and hands-on role, requiring 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 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. 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.
A detailed monthly rota is provided, but flexibility is essential. Travel:
Extensive travel required throughout the UK.
Lodging 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 leave when working away with the potential for up to 13 extra weeks off annually.
Paid overtime available when based locally. Compensation & Benefits:
Starting Salary:
£41,000 at Level 1 + 2 x 7.5% bonuses (£6,300 annually), plus £25/night working away allowance (~£5,000), and overtime when working locally.
Level 2: £46,500 + £6,975 in bonuses + ~£5,000 away allowance = £53,475.
Level 3: £48,000 + £7,200 bonuses + ~£5,000 allowance = £55,200 + overtime potential to reach up to £70,000. Bonus:
7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly in April and October.
Starting bonuses after six months of service (pro-rata available for mid-period starters).
£25 per night working away allowance.
Overtime paid at a flat rate for local work.
1 week of annual leave is accrued for every 3 weeks worked away. Additional Benefits:
Company van and fuel card when needed.
Life assurance and healthcare cash plan.
Pension scheme.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Eye care vouchers.
Long service awards and seasonal ticket loan options. Training & Progression:
Full training provided, including manual handling, machine setup, and pack-away.
Progression from Level 1 to Level 3 within two years.
Opportunities to train as a train operator (psychometric test required). Work Environment:
Close-knit engineering team with long-term working relationships.
Work onboard rail grinding machines in dirty and dusty conditions.
Access to comfort carriages: breakout areas, kitchens, toilets, and manager’s office.
Full protective gear provided, including air-supplied masks and safety boots. To apply for this role, please send your CV to #ENG1 through the link and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation