Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines) Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide Travel)
Package Overview
* Starting Salary (Level 1): £43,000
* Annual Bonus: 7.5% paid twice yearly (15% total) = £6,450 per year
* Salary rises after probation and rail safety competencies are passed.
* Following the rail grinding train around the UK as a service engineer/fitter
* Working away from home for 3 weeks with 1 rest week every 3 weeks.
* Shift pattern is 6 days on 1 day off for 3 weeks, then 7 days off.
* Clear salary and bonus progression annually
Job Overview:
We are recruiting for experienced Mechanical Engineers / Fitters to join a specialist rail grinding fleet operating nationwide.
Working within a close-knit team of approximately 12 engineers per train, you will maintain, fault-find and operate heavy rail-mounted grinding trains that restore rail profiles and ensure the safety and performance of the UK rail network.
This is a physically demanding, hands-on role involving mechanical overhauls, hydraulic systems maintenance and night working when trained in the future to operate the grinder train. The role requires extended travel, with 3 weeks per month working away from home.
This position would suit candidates from heavy plant, rail, mining, marine, military or other heavy industrial maintenance backgrounds.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain and operate rail grinding machines in line with operational plans and rail safety standards
* Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
* Strip down, inspect and rebuild grinding heads, motors, gearboxes and drive assemblies
* Change and set grinding stones, monitoring grinding output and machine performance
* Diagnose and repair hydraulic faults (pumps, cylinders, hoses, valves)
* Complete daily inspections, underframe cleaning and component servicing
* Fault-find mechanical and basic electrical control systems
* Work safely within rail possessions during night and weekend shifts
* Accurately complete maintenance documentation and defect reports
Maintenance and Operation:
o Maintain, fault-find and repair rail grinding machines and on-track plant
o Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems
o Inspect and maintain pumps, motors, gearboxes, hoses, cylinders and valves
o Diagnose hydraulic pressure faults and mechanical wear issues
o Strip down, rebuild and replace worn components
o Undertake daily safety inspections and underframe cleaning
o Use hand tools, torque equipment and diagnostic test gear
o Complete maintenance records and work in line with rail safety standards
* Safety & Compliance:
o Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.
o Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.
o Serve as 2nd man/fire watch during grinding operations.
o Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.
Person Specification:
* Qualifications & Experience:
o MUST HAVE: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
o Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance, such as agriculture, aggregates, rolling stock, offshore, or plant fitting.
o Hydraulics and pneumatics experience is highly desirable.
o Must hold a full driving licence, NO MORE THAN 3 POINTS
o Must pass a full rail medical and drug and alcohol screening test
o Must pass a criminal record background check (DBS)
Work Schedule:
* Shift Patterns:
o 6 days on, 1 day off while away, when working a 4-night shift pattern, you will be given 2 days off.
o You will be working 280 hours over 8 weeks.
o You will be provided with a detailed monthly rota, but flexibility is essential.
* Travel:
o Extensive travel across the UK.
o Full Hotel lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels or Premier Inns, with your own room and breakfast included.
o £45 per night paid when working away as your allowance, which is £7,500 per year and paid into your salary each month
* Holiday & Time Off:
o 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
o 1 rest week off every 3 weeks (13 weeks per year)
* Additional Benefits:
o The use of a company van and fuel card when needed.
o Life assurance and health care cash plan.
o Pension scheme.
o Employee Assistance Programme for well-being.
o Eye care vouchers.
o 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 driver, 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, working in dirty and dusty conditions.
* You will have access to \"a comfort carriage\" on the trains, providing facilities such as a small breakout area, kitchen, 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 through the link, and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and also your availability to attend an interview. #ENG1
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