Job Title: Mechanical Fitter – Heritage Steam Engineering
Location: bury BL8 1AR
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £15.79 per hour
About Us:
Riley & Son LTD operates and maintains a fleet of historic steam locomotives and rolling stock. Our engineering workshop is central to this work, where skilled teams carry out maintenance, overhauls, and restoration projects to ensure safe and reliable operation. We are now seeking a Mechanical Fitter to join our engineering department and contribute directly to the preservation of Britain's steam railway heritage.
The Role:
This is a workshop-based role focused on the repair, maintenance, and overhaul of steam locomotives and associated rolling stock. You will be involved in a wide variety of mechanical fitting tasks — from stripping down and refurbishing components, to precision machining, reassembly, and testing. The work is hands-on, practical, and often heavy, requiring accuracy, problem-solving, and pride in workmanship.
Key Responsibilities:
* Dismantle, repair, and reassemble locomotive and rolling stock components.
* Undertake machining, fitting, and adjustments using traditional and modern tools.
* Carry out scheduled inspections, routine maintenance, and fault diagnosis.
* Support major overhauls and long-term restoration projects.
* Work to engineering drawings and heritage specifications.
* Maintain safe working practices at all times in the workshop.
About You:
* Time-served or experienced mechanical fitter.
* Background in heavy engineering, rail, marine, automotive, or similar sectors.
* Strong hands-on skills with mechanical assemblies and workshop tools.
* Ability to work accurately and methodically, both independently and as part of a team.
* An interest in heritage engineering and traditional workshop practices.
Desirable Skills:
* Previous experience with steam locomotives or heritage equipment.
* Welding, milling, turning, or fabrication experience.
* Flexibility to support railway operations outside the workshop when required.
What We Offer:
* A workshop environment working on unique and historic engineering projects.
* Involvement in locomotive overhauls and restoration work.
* Training and development opportunities to broaden your skills.
* The satisfaction of seeing your engineering work in operation.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and covering letter to
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £15.79 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Bury BL8 1AR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
* Certificate of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
* mechanical fitting: 5 years (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person