Overview

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)

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.

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.

Salary & Package

• GBP41,400 (Level 1)
• 2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = GBP6,300 annually in April and Sept
• Working away allowance: GBP25 per night tax free worth cGBP7,000 annually
• After 6 months' probation, salary rises to GBP46,000 (Level 2)
• When you reach level 3 status your salary goes to GBP48,000
• OTE after 2 years = cGBP70,000

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.
  • GBP25 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.