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

Pure Talent Group; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company van & fuel card

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Healthcare cash plan

Eyecare vouchers

Seasonal ticket loan

Job summary

Pure Talent Group is seeking a Mechanical Engineer/Operator-Fitter to service rail grinding machines across the UK. The role involves a dirty, hands-on environment with extensive travel (up to 3 weeks away per month) and a team of engineers.

Strong background in heavy industrial maintenance is essential. Key duties include maintaining and operating rail grinding trains, daily maintenance, safety compliance, and potential COSS tasks.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or formal apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in heavy industrial maintenance.
• Hydraulics and pneumatics experience desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Clean criminal record check and medical pass.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines to spec.
• Perform daily maintenance: change grinding stones, clean machines, remove dirt behind grinders.
• Operate grinding machinery safely following procedures.
• Record daily work returns and maintain safety packs and logs.
• Carry out COSS duties if required.
• General maintenance: chipping and blowing; assist supervisor.

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)

Location:UK Mobile (Nationwide)

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

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance and Operation:

Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines in line with operational requirements.

Perform daily maintenance duties, including changing grinding stones, cleaning machines, and addressing accumulated dirt behind grinders.

Operate the grinding machinery safely and effectively, adhering to the operational procedures.

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.

Additional Responsibilities:

Undertake general maintenance, including chipping and blowing.

Assist the Grinding or Maintenance Supervisor as needed.

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.

Starting salary and package as follows

£43,000 rising to £48,000 on passing probation

2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = £7,200 annually in April and Sept

Working away allowance: £45 per night tax free worth c£7,000 annually

After 6 months' probation, salary rises to £48,000 (Level 2)

When you reach level 3 status, your salary goes to £48,000

OTE after 2 years = c£70,000

MUST HAVES

NVQ LEVEL 3 IN AN ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE

CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK

ABILITY TO PASS A MEDICAL

BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE PURPOSES

ABLE TO WORK AWAY FROM HOME

Working away rota

3 weeks working away, 1 week home leave (so 13 weeks home leave per year)

5 weeks' annual leave on top (18 weeks' leave in total).

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.

£45 per night tax-free travel allowance when working away.

Holiday & Time Off

34 days' annual leave (including bank holidays).

Accrue additional time 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.

Additional Benefits

The use of a company van and fuel card when needed.

Life assurance and health carecash plan.

Pension scheme.

Employee Assistance Programme for well-being.

Eyecare vouchers.

Longservice awards and seasonal ticket loanoptions.

Training & Progression

Full training will be provided, including manual handling, machine setup, and pack‑away for operation.

Progression opportunities include advancing from Level1 to Level 3, with the chance to increase salary significantly within two years.

Opportunitiesfor further progressionincluding trainingto become a train operator, which requires a psychometric test.

Work Environment

You will work in a close‑knight team of engineers, building long‑lasting relationships.

The work involves being on boardrail 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.