Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines)

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a skilled Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter to join their dynamic team. This exciting role involves maintaining and operating rail grinding machines across the UK, ensuring the safety and performance of railway tracks. The position offers extensive travel opportunities, competitive salary growth, and a range of benefits, including generous annual leave and bonuses. If you thrive in a hands-on environment and are eager to advance your career in mechanical engineering, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Company van and fuel card

Life assurance

Health care cash plan

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Eye care vouchers

Long service awards

Seasonal ticket loan options

Tax-free travel allowance

Qualifications

• Must hold a full driving licence and be flexible with travel requirements.
• Experience in heavy industrial maintenance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate rail grinding machines ensuring safety and performance.
• Perform daily maintenance duties and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Heavy Industrial Maintenance

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Health and Safety Regulations

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering

Formal Apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)

Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)

Salary: Starting salary is: £41,000 (Level 1) + 2 x 7.5% annual retention bonuses paid, with a scope to move up to level 3 and be earning up to £70,000 made if of a basic salary of £48,000 + bonuses and overtime.

Bonus: 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly

Annual Leave: 34 days annual leave + when working away you accrue 1 week’s holiday in every 3 worked, so another 13 weeks off.

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 approximately 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail grinding carriages to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a physically demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home) and applicants must have a strong background in heavy industrial maintenance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Maintenance and Operation: Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines in line with operational requirements.
2. Perform daily maintenance duties, including changing grinding stones, cleaning machines, and addressing accumulated dirt behind grinders.
3. Operate the grinding machinery safely and effectively, adhering to operational procedures.
4. Safety & Compliance: Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.
5. Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.
6. Serve as 2nd man/fire watch during grinding operations.
7. Additional Responsibilities: Undertake general maintenance, including chipping and blowing.
8. Assist the Grinding or Maintenance Supervisor as needed.
9. Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.

Person Specification:

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.

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.

£25 per night tax-free travel allowance when working away.

Holiday & Time Off:

34 days annual leave (including bank holidays). Accrue additional 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.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary: £41,000 at Level 1 with 2 x 7.5% bonuses paid in April and October worth £3,150 each time and comes to £6,300 annually on top of your basic salary, plus your £25.00 per night working away allowance, which could be approximately £5,000 and overtime paid when working local to your home.

Level 2 salary: will rise to £46,500 when you have passed your training, and your twice-yearly bonus will rise to £6,975 annually, and your working away allowance which could be around £5,000, bringing your salary to £53,475.

Level 3 salary: will rise to £48,000 and your annual bonuses will come to £7,200 which will raise your annual salary to £55,200 + your working away allowance which could be around £5,000 and then your overtime on top with potential earnings up to £70,000 (this is made up from your overtime, allowances and bonuses).

Bonus: 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly in April and October. Starting bonuses after six months of service, with pro-rata available for those who join mid-period.

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 through 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 #Sam through the link and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and also your availability to attend an interview.