Lathe & Press Operator (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester) 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)

Greater Manchester

On-site

GBP 41,000 - 50,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Health care plan

Bike2Work scheme

Sponsorship scheme

Flexible Working policy

Family friendly culture

Volunteer days

Tree-planting initiatives

Donation drives

Support to homeless/refugees

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator to machine axles, prepare wheel pans and assemble wheelsets using precision equipment. You will work to CAF overhaul procedures, ensuring tolerances, alignment and safety standards are met throughout production.

Role requires NVQ Level 3 plus experience with CNC lathes and hydraulic presses in rail or heavy engineering. Daily duties include setup, inspection and strict adherence to safety and quality controls.

Qualifications

NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant mechanical/electrical discipline.
Proven experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in rail/heavy engineering.
Skilled in machining axles and rotating components to tight tolerances and finishes.
Able to interpret technical drawings, machining programs and data sheets.
Experience setting up tooling and maintaining CNC lathes for complex operations.
Proficient with precision measuring tools (micrometers, dial gauges).
Familiar with wheelset assembly procedures and lock-out/tag-out practices.

Responsibilities

Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles, assemble wheelsets and verify tolerances.
Set up machines, select tools and perform machining to specified dimensions and surfaces.
Conduct pre- and post-machining inspections using micrometers, dial gauges and related tools.
Assemble wheelsets with correct interference fits and alignment per engineering data.
Support brake discs, bearing installation and related sub-assemblies in wheelset build-up.
Record measurements and inspection results in CAF quality control system.
Adhere to HSQE standards, including lock-out/tag-out and safety checks.
Maintain equipment, perform fault checks and report issues promptly.
Ensure tooling, jigs and gauges are calibrated, clean and stored correctly.
Handle components safely with cranes and trolleys per lifting plans.
Contribute to continuous improvement, efficiency and 5S practices.
Support training and knowledge sharing within the team.
Assist across the facility to maintain production requirements.

Skills

CNC lathe operation

Wheelset assembly

Precision measurement

Technical drawing interpretation

Tooling setup

Machine safety

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

CNC horizontal lathes

Hydraulic wheel presses

Job description

About Caf

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers.

Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be!

We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way.

What can you expect from CAF?

Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Lathe & Press Operator is responsible for machining axles, preparing wheel pans, and assembling wheelsets using precision equipment such as horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses, in accordance with CAF Rail UK overhaul procedures and quality standards.

This role ensures all machined and assembled wheelsets meet dimensional tolerances, alignment, and safety specifications, maintaining full compliance with CAF’s HSQE requirements.

The Lathe & Press Operator contributes directly to the reliability and performance of overhauled bogies and wheelsets, supporting CAF’s commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality in every stage of the production process.

Your daily duties will include:

Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and verify dimensional tolerances in line with CAF overhaul procedures.
Set up machines, select tools, and perform machining operations to specified dimensions and surface finishes.
Conduct pre- and post- machining inspections using micrometres, dial gauges, and other precision measurement tools.
Assemble wheelsets using the wheel press, ensuring correct interference fits, alignment, and pressing force in accordance with engineering data.
Support brake disc fitting, bearing installation, and related sub‑assembly activities as part of wheelset build-up.
Record all measurements, press readings, and inspection results accurately within CAF’s quality control system.
Adhere strictly to HSQE standards, including lock‑out/tag‑out procedures, guarding, and equipment safety checks.
Maintain lathe and press equipment, perform basic fault checks, and report maintenance issues promptly.
Ensure all tooling, jigs, and gauges are calibrated, clean, and stored correctly.
Handle components safely using overhead cranes, lifting frames, and wheelset trolleys in accordance with lifting plans.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, process efficiency, and workplace 5S standards.
Support training and knowledge sharing across the wheelset and machining team.
Assist as required within other areas of the facility to maintain production requirements.

What salary will you be paid for this position?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary of £45,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant mechanical/electrical discipline.
Proven experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in a rail, aerospace, or heavy engineering environment.
Skilled in machining axles and similar rotating components to tight dimensional tolerances and surface finish specifications.
Competent in interpreting technical drawings, machining programs, and measurement data sheets.
Experience setting up, tooling, and maintaining CNC lathes for complex multi‑step operations.
Proficient in using precision measuring equipment such as micrometres, dial test indicators, bore gauges, and surface finish testers.
Familiar with wheelset assembly procedures, including pressing operations, alignment, and fit verification.
Understanding of machine safety systems, risk assessments, and lock‑out/tag‑out practices.
Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent quality, safety, and efficiency targets in a production environment.

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