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.
Location
UK Mobile (Nationwide)
Key Responsibilities
* 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 operational procedures.
* 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.
* 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.
Qualifications & Experience
* NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
* Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance (e.g., 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.
Salary & Benefits
* £41,400 (Level 1) with 2 x 7.5% annual retention payments (total £6,300 annually in April and Sept).
* Working away allowance: £25 per night tax free (approx. £7,000 annually).
* After 6 months probation, salary rises to £46,000 (Level 2); Level 3 salary: £48,000.
* OTE after 2 years: c£70,000.
* Life assurance and health care cash plan.
* Pension scheme.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Eye care vouchers.
* Long service awards and seasonal ticket loan options.
Work Schedule
* Shift patterns: 6 days on, 1 day off while away; 4‑night shift pattern gives 2 days off.
* 280 hours over 8 weeks.
* Detailed monthly rota provided; flexibility essential.
Travel & Accommodation
* Extensive travel across 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 time when working away (up to 13 extra weeks of time off annually, depending on shift patterns).
* Paid overtime available for home‑based weeks, paid at a flat rate.
Training & Progression
* Full training provided: manual handling, machine set‑up, pack‑away for operation.
* Progression opportunities from Level 1 to Level 3 with significant salary increase within two years.
* Further progress to train operator role requiring a psychometric test.
Work Environment
You will work in a close‑knit team of engineers, building long‑lasting relationships. You will be on board rail grinding machines, sometimes in dirty and dusty conditions. Comfort carriages on the trains provide breakout areas, kitchens, toilets, and a manager’s office. We prioritise your safety, providing full protective gear, including air‑supplied masks and safety boots.
Apply
To apply for this role, please send your CV to the contact via the provided link, and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and availability to attend an interview.
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