Lathe and Press Operator

Morson Talent; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real Living Wage Employer

Job summary

Morson Talent in Manchester is recruiting a Lathe & Press Operator for a leading rail rolling stock client. You will work with CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses, machining axles and assembling wheelsets to tight tolerances, setting up tooling and interpreting engineering drawings.

The ideal candidate holds NVQ Level 3 in engineering, with proven experience in rail or heavy engineering, excellent measurement skills using micrometres and dial indicators, and a strong focus on

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3+ in relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience operating CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses.
• Experience in rail, aerospace or heavy engineering environments.
• Strong knowledge of precision machining, drawings and tolerances.
• Competence using micrometres, dial test indicators, bore gauges.
• Understanding of wheelset assembly, pressing operations and machinery safety.
• Proactive, quality-focused with excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operating CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses.
• Machining axles and assembling wheelsets to precise tolerances.
• Setting up machinery, selecting tooling and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Carrying out quality inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Supporting brake disc fitting, bearing installation and wheelset build activities.
• Recording inspection results and maintaining accurate quality documentation.
• Following health and safety procedures and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Performing routine equipment checks and supporting continuous improvement activities.

Skills

CNC horizontal lathe operation

Hydraulic wheel press operation

Precision machining

Engineering drawings interpretation

Micrometres

Wheelset assembly

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Education

NVQ Level 3+ in engineering

Tools

Micrometres

Dial test indicators

Bore gauges

Job description

Location: Manchester

Are you an experienced Lathe & Press Operator looking for your next challenge? A leading client in the Rail Rolling Stock Industry based in Manchester is recruiting for a skilled engineering professional to join their team, working with specialist machinery to support the overhaul and assembly of rail wheelsets.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced machinist to utilise their technical skills in a precision engineering environment where quality, safety and attention to detail are essential.

The Role

As a Lathe & Press Operator, you will be responsible for precision machining, axle preparation and wheelset assembly, ensuring all components meet strict engineering specifications and quality standards.

Your duties will include:

• Operating CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses.
• Machining axles and assembling wheelsets to precise tolerances.
• Setting up machinery, selecting tooling and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Carrying out quality inspections using precision measuring equipment.
• Supporting brake disc fitting, bearing installation and wheelset build activities.
• Recording inspection results and maintaining accurate quality documentation.
• Following health and safety procedures and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Performing routine equipment checks and supporting continuous improvement activities.

What We’re Looking For

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven experience operating CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses.
• Experience in rail, aerospace or heavy engineering environments.
• Strong knowledge of precision machining, engineering drawings and dimensional tolerances.
• Competence using micrometres, dial test indicators, bore gauges and other precision measuring equipment.
• An understanding of wheelset assembly, pressing operations and machinery safety.
• A proactive, quality-focused approach with excellent attention to detail.

What’s on Offer?

• The opportunity to work with specialist machinery in a precision engineering environment.
• A key role supporting the safety and reliability of rail vehicles.
• The chance to develop your technical expertise within a skilled engineering team.
• Employment with a Real Living Wage Employer.

Interested?

If you have experience in precision machining and wheelset assembly and are looking for your next opportunity, we want to hear from you!