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

Energy Jobline CVL; Royal Tunbridge Wells; Remote; GBP 43,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm seeks a Mechanical Engineer/Operator-Fitter to maintain and operate rail grinding machines across the UK. Candidates should hold NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering and possess experience in heavy industrial maintenance. This role involves extensive travel and offers a competitive salary of £43,000 with potential earnings up to £70,000 including bonuses. Full training and progression opportunities available.

Benefits

Competitive salary progression

Annual bonuses

Travel allowance

Company van and fuel card

Life assurance

Health care cash plan

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance required.
• Experience with hydraulics and pneumatics highly desirable.
• Full UK driving licence necessary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines.
• Perform daily maintenance duties for grinding machinery.
• Operate machinery safely adhering to procedures.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.

Skills

Effective teamwork

Comfortable with heavy machinery

Strong understanding of health and safety regulations

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering

Formal Mechanical/Electrical Engineering apprenticeship

Job description

Job Overview

Mechanical Engineer / Operator‑Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines) – UK, Mobile (Nationwide). This role requires maintaining and operating rail grinding carriages across the UK. The position involves extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home) and working in a physically demanding, dirty environment.

Salary – £43,000 at Level 1 with 2 × 7.5 % annual retention bonuses, scalable to Level 3 with a potential total of £70,000.

Annual Leave – 34 days plus one week of holiday for every 3 weeks worked away.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines following operational requirements.
• Perform daily maintenance duties: changing grinding stones, cleaning machines, and clearing accumulated dirt.
• Operate grinding machinery safely, adhering to proper procedures.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.
• Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.
• Act as 2nd man/fire watch during grinding operations.
• Undertake general maintenance such as chipping and blowing.
• Assist the Grinding or Maintenance Supervisor as required.
• Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties when needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal Mechanical/Electrical Engineering apprenticeship.
• Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance (e.g., agriculture, aggregates, rolling stock, offshore, or plant fitting).
• Experience with hydraulics and pneumatics highly desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.

Skills

• Effective teamwork in a hands‑on, dirty work environment.
• Comfortable with heavy machinery and physically demanding tasks.
• Flexible with extensive travel requirements (up to 3 weeks per month).
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations.

Work Schedule & Travel

Shift pattern – 6 days on / 1 day off while away; 280 hours over 8 weeks. Detailed monthly rota provided; flexibility essential.

Travel – Extensive across the UK. Lodging at Holiday Inn hotels with breakfast; £25 per night tax‑free travel allowance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary progression from Level 1 (£43,000) to Level 3 (£55,200 + bonuses) and potential earnings up to £70,000.
• Two annual 7.5 % bonuses in April and October.
• £25 per night working away allowance.
• Overtime paid at a flat rate for local weeks.
• Company van and fuel card when needed.
• Life assurance, health care cash plan, pension scheme, employee assistance programme.
• Eye‑care vouchers, long‑service awards, seasonal ticket loan options.

Training & Progression

Full training including manual handling, machine setup, and pack‑away for operation. Progression from Level 1 to Level 3 within two years, with opportunities for further advancement (e.g., train operator after psychometric test).

Application

To apply, send your CV to Sam through the link provided. If you are interested, press the Apply button and follow the application process.