Rail Wheelset Machinist: Precision Lathe & Press Operator

CAF Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Excellent workplace pension (up to 10%

Health care cash plan

Bike2Work scheme

Job summary

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator at our Manchester overhaul facility to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and ensure tolerances meet CAF Rail UK standards. The role involves operating horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses and contributing to quality control throughout the production process.

You will work with precise measurement tools, interpret drawings, and participate in continuous improvement while adhering to HSQE policies.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant mechanical/electrical discipline.
• Proven experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in a rail, aerospace, or heavy engineering environment.
• Skilled in machining axles and similar rotating components to tight dimensional tolerances and surface finish specifications.
• Competent in interpreting technical drawings, machining programs, and measurement data sheets.
• Experience setting up, tooling, and maintaining CNC lathes for complex multi-step operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and verify dimensional tolerances.
• Set up machines, select tools, and perform machining operations to specified dimensions and surface finishes.
• Conduct pre- and post-machining inspections using micrometres, dial gauges, and other precision measurement tools.
• Assemble wheelsets using the wheel press, ensuring correct interference fits, alignment, and pressing force per engineering data.
• Support brake disc fitting, bearing installation, and related sub-assembly activities.

Skills

CNC horizontal lathe

Hydraulic wheel presses

Mechanical assembly

Precision measurement

Engineering drawings

Education

NVQ Level 3 or above in mechanical/electrical discipline

Tools

Micrometres

Dial gauges

Surface finish testers

Job description

CAF Rail UK is seeking a Lathe & Press Operator at our Manchester overhaul facility to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and ensure tolerances meet CAF Rail UK standards. The role involves operating horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses and contributing to quality control throughout the production process.

You will work with precise measurement tools, interpret drawings, and participate in continuous improvement while adhering to HSQE policies.