Wheel Lathe Operator

Freightliner Group Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Final-salary pension

Maternity & paternity pay

Life assurance

Employee benefits

Job summary

Freightliner Group Ltd in Ipswich is seeking a Wheel Lathe Operator to support our Vehicle Maintenance Facility. The role involves wheel lathe work, tyre turning on locomotives, wagons and wheelsets, and ensuring maintenance plans and safety standards are followed.

The ideal candidate has CNC machining experience, a background in mechanical maintenance, and a UK driving licence. The position requires flexible, 24/7 shift patterns with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Background in machining with CNC and tight tolerances.
• Experience in mechanical maintenance and adherence to safety standards.
• UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Perform tyre turning on locomotives, wagons and wheelsets per maintenance plans and standards.
• Adhere to health, safety and safety policy requirements.
• Apply Freightliner engineering standards and procedures consistently.
• Complete tyre turning records using Asset Management System and Excel.
• Operate machinery including forklift trucks, cranes and shunt vehicle.
• Conduct basic preventive maintenance on the wheel lathe.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping in a safe environment.
• Communicate effectively with other departments.

Skills

CNC Machining

Mechanical maintenance

Safe working practices

Education

Apprentice-trained in machining (CNC)

Job description

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK. In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Role Overview

Wheel Lathe Operator Freightliner Maintenance Ltd– Ipswich. A vacancy has arisen for a Wheel Lathe Operator at our Ipswich Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF). The additional resource is required to ensure continued efficiency, maintain productivity levels, and reduce delays in workshop operations. The role is essential for carrying out wheel machining, inspection, and maintenance work safely and to the required quality standards. Recruiting an experienced Wheel Lathe Operator will help improve turnaround times, support planned maintenance schedules, and minimise downtime of equipment and rolling stock. The successful candidate will strengthen depot capability by supporting tyre turning activities on locomotives, wagons, and loose wheelsets in line with approved maintenance plans and technical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• To perform tyre turning on locomotives, wagons, and loose wheelsets in accordance with approved maintenance plans, company engineering procedures, and technical standards, ensuring all work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Adhere to health & safety and local safety policy requirements, and other safety and technical standards.
• Ensure Freightliner company engineering standards and procedures are applied and followed.
• Complete all tyre turning records accurately, using our electronic Asset Management System and Excel spreadsheets.
• Operate machinery including forklift trucks, cranes, and the shunt vehicle.
• Conduct basic preventive maintenance on the wheel lathe.
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping to ensure a clean and safe environment.
• Communicate well with other departments.

Requirements

• Commitment to safe working practices.
• A background in machining (CNC) with an appreciation for working to tight tolerances.
• Experience in mechanical maintenance and an appreciation for working to tight tolerances.
• Minimum apprentice-trained with a background in machining (CNC).
• Experience in mechanical maintenance practices.
• A UK driving licence.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Access to the company's life assurance scheme
• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life, which will also help save you money and hassle.
• From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.

Working Conditions

Ipswich VMF operates a 24/7 shift roster so a flexible approach to working hours is essential. The shifts are 12 hours and fatigue levels are monitored so candidates must live within 1 hour drive distance to the Depot.

Pre-Employment Checks

This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.

Could it be time to start your career journey with us? Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a fantastic final-salary pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.