Precision Rail Lathe & Press Operator – Wheelsets

Cafmobility; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Excellent workplace pension scheme (up

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Paid volunteering days

Job summary

CAF Rail UK in Manchester is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and set up precision equipment in our overhaul facility.

You will work with horizontal lathes, hydraulic wheel presses, and precision measurement tools to meet tight tolerances, supporting safety and reliability of rail bogies. Experience with rail/heavy engineering and an NVQ3+ is required, with a strong focus on quality and teamwork.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or higher in a mechanical/electrical discipline.
• Experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in rail/heavy engineering.
• Ability to read technical drawings and measurement data sheets.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles and assemble wheelsets.
• Set up machines, select tools and verify dimensional tolerances.
• Conduct pre- and post-machining inspections with micrometres and dial gauges.
• Ensure proper pressing forces and alignment during wheelset assembly.
• Maintain safety and HSQE compliance during all tasks.

Skills

NVQ Level 3 in mechanical/electrical

CNC horizontal lathe operation

Wheelset assembly experience

Reading technical drawings

Measurement with micrometres and dial

Education

NVQ Level 3 or above in mechanical/electrical discipline

Tools

CNC horizontal lathes

Hydraulic wheel presses

Precision measuring tools

Job description

CAF Rail UK in Manchester is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and set up precision equipment in our overhaul facility.

You will work with horizontal lathes, hydraulic wheel presses, and precision measurement tools to meet tight tolerances, supporting safety and reliability of rail bogies. Experience with rail/heavy engineering and an NVQ3+ is required, with a strong focus on quality and teamwork.