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

Pure Talent Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company van and fuel card

Life assurance

Health care cash plan

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Eye care vouchers

Seasonal ticket loan

Job summary

Pure Talent Group is recruiting for experienced Mechanical Engineers / Fitters to join a specialist rail grinding fleet operating nationwide across the UK. The role is hands-on, with 3 weeks away from home and 6 days on/1 day off cycles, supporting heavy rail maintenance and safety standards.

Starting Level 1 salary is £43,000 with an annual bonus of 7.5% paid twice yearly (total 15%), plus opportunities to progress after probation and safety competency checks.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in heavy industrial maintenance (e.g., agriculture, aggregates, rolling stock, offshore, or plant fitting).
• Hydraulics and pneumatics experience is highly desirable.
• Full driving licence with no more than 3 points.
• Must pass a full rail medical and drug/alcohol screening.
• Must pass a criminal record background check (DBS).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate rail grinding machines in line with operational plans and rail safety standards.
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Strip down, inspect and rebuild grinding heads, motors, gearboxes and drive assemblies.
• Change and set grinding stones, monitor grinding output and machine performance.
• Diagnose hydraulic faults (pumps, cylinders, hoses, valves).
• Complete daily inspections, underframe cleaning and component servicing.
• Fault‑find mechanical and basic electrical control systems.
• Work safely within rail possessions during night and weekend shifts.
• Accurately complete maintenance documentation and defect reports.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Heavy machinery maintenance

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Driving licence

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering

Apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)Location:UK Mobile (Nationwide Travel)

Package Overview

Starting Salary (Level 1): £43,000

Annual Bonus:7.5% paid twice yearly (15% total) =£6,450 per year

Salary rises after probation and rail safety competencies are passed.

Following the rail grinding train around the UK as a service engineer/fitter

Working away from home for 3 weeks with 1 rest week every 3 weeks.

Shift pattern is 6 days on 1 day off for 3 weeks, then 7 days off.

Clear salary and bonus progression annually

Job Overview

We are recruiting for experienced Mechanical Engineers / Fitters to join a specialist rail grinding fleet operating nationwide.

Working within a close-knit team of approximately 12 engineers per train, you will maintain, fault-find and operate heavy rail-mounted grinding trains that restore rail profiles and ensure the safety and performance of the UK rail network.

This is a physically demanding, hands‑on role involving mechanical overhauls, hydraulic systems maintenance and night working when trained in the future to operate the grinder train. The role requires extended travel, with 3 weeks per month working away from home.

This position would suit candidates from heavy plant, rail, mining, marine, military or other heavy industrial maintenance backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate rail grinding machines in line with operational plans and rail safety standards
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Strip down, inspect and rebuild grinding heads, motors, gearboxes and drive assemblies
• Change and set grinding stones, monitoring grinding output and machine performance
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic faults (pumps, cylinders, hoses, valves)
• Complete daily inspections, underframe cleaning and component servicing
• Fault‑find mechanical and basic electrical control systems
• Work safely within rail possessions during night and weekend shifts
• Accurately complete maintenance documentation and defect reports

Maintenance and Operation

• Maintain, fault‑find and repair rail grinding machines and on‑track plant
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance onhydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems
• Inspect and maintain pumps, motors, gearboxes, hoses, cylinders and valves
• Diagnose hydraulic pressure faults and mechanical wear issues
• Strip down, rebuild and replace worn components
• Undertake daily safety inspections and underframe cleaning
• Use hand tools, torque equipment and diagnostic test gear
• Complete maintenance records and work in line with rail safety standards

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.
• Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.
• Serve as 2nd man/fire watch during grinding operations.
• Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• MUST HAVE: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, NO MORE THAN 3 POINTS
• Must pass a full rail medical and drug and alcohol screening test
• Must pass a criminal record background check (DBS)

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 working280 hours over 8 weeks. You will be provided with a detailed monthly rota, but flexibility is essential.

Travel

Extensive travel across the UK. Full Hotel lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels or Premier Inns, with your own room and breakfast included.£45 per night paid when working away as your allowance, which is £7,500 per year and paid into your salary each month

Holiday & Time Off

34 days annual leave (including bank holidays). 1 rest week off every 3 weeks (13 weeks per year)

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 from 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 driver, 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 boardrail grinding machines, working in dirty and dusty conditions.

You will have access to "a comfort carriage" on the trains, providing facilities such as a small breakout area, kitchen, toilets, and a manager’s office.

We prioritise your safety, providing full protective gear, including air‑supplied masks and safety boots.