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

CAF Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Excellent workplace pension (up to 10%

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator at our Manchester overhaul facility to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and ensure tolerances meet CAF Rail UK standards. The role involves operating horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses and contributing to quality control throughout the production process.

You will work with precise measurement tools, interpret drawings, and participate in continuous improvement while adhering to HSQE policies.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and verify dimensional tolerances.
• 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 per engineering data.
• Support brake disc fitting, bearing installation, and related sub-assembly activities.

Skills

CNC horizontal lathe

Hydraulic wheel presses

Mechanical assembly

Precision measurement

Engineering drawings

Education

NVQ Level 3 or above in mechanical/electrical discipline

Tools

Micrometres

Dial gauges

Surface finish testers

Job description

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

Date: 5 Oct 2026

Company: CAF Rail UK

Location: MANCHESTER, GB, M40 2BA

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?

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• 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.

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!

Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF.

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree-planting, company-wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!