Rail Wheelset Machinist — Lathe & Press Expert

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles); Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Health care plan

Bike2Work scheme

Sponsorship scheme

Flexible Working policy

Family friendly culture

Volunteer days

Tree-planting initiatives

Donation drives

Support to homeless/refugees

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator to machine axles, prepare wheel pans and assemble wheelsets using precision equipment. You will work to CAF overhaul procedures, ensuring tolerances, alignment and safety standards are met throughout production.

Role requires NVQ Level 3 plus experience with CNC lathes and hydraulic presses in rail or heavy engineering. Daily duties include setup, inspection and strict adherence to safety and quality controls.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant mechanical/electrical discipline.
• Proven experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in rail/heavy engineering.
• Skilled in machining axles and rotating components to tight tolerances and finishes.
• Able to interpret technical drawings, machining programs and data sheets.
• Experience setting up tooling and maintaining CNC lathes for complex operations.
• Proficient with precision measuring tools (micrometers, dial gauges).
• Familiar with wheelset assembly procedures and lock-out/tag-out practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles, assemble wheelsets and verify tolerances.
• Set up machines, select tools and perform machining to specified dimensions and surfaces.
• Conduct pre- and post-machining inspections using micrometers, dial gauges and related tools.
• Assemble wheelsets with correct interference fits and alignment per engineering data.
• Support brake discs, bearing installation and related sub-assemblies in wheelset build-up.
• Record measurements and inspection results in CAF quality control system.
• Adhere to HSQE standards, including lock-out/tag-out and safety checks.
• Maintain equipment, perform fault checks and report issues promptly.
• Ensure tooling, jigs and gauges are calibrated, clean and stored correctly.
• Handle components safely with cranes and trolleys per lifting plans.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, efficiency and 5S practices.
• Support training and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Assist across the facility to maintain production requirements.

Skills

CNC lathe operation

Wheelset assembly

Precision measurement

Technical drawing interpretation

Tooling setup

Machine safety

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

CNC horizontal lathes

Hydraulic wheel presses

Job description

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator to machine axles, prepare wheel pans and assemble wheelsets using precision equipment. You will work to CAF overhaul procedures, ensuring tolerances, alignment and safety standards are met throughout production.

Role requires NVQ Level 3 plus experience with CNC lathes and hydraulic presses in rail or heavy engineering. Daily duties include setup, inspection and strict adherence to safety and quality controls.