Workshop Machinist

Russell Taylor Group Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Taylor Group Ltd in London is seeking an experienced Workshop Machinist to join a busy hydraulic machining and repair operation. The role combines manual machining, refurbishment of components and hydraulic repairs with day‑to‑day workload planning and coordination.

You will help shape the workshop's development as the business grows, improve processes and drive quality across the department. A practical, reliable engineer with strong machining skills and independent workload management

Qualifications

• Experience operating manual lathes and general workshop equipment.
• Welding experience and a sound understanding of workshop practices.
• Ability to assess faults, dismantle components and complete accurate repairs.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a commitment to quality workmanship.

Responsibilities

• Diagnosing faults and repairing hydraulic rams, cylinders and associated components.
• Stripping, inspecting, refurbishing and reassembling hydraulic cylinders.
• Testing completed repairs to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Planning and prioritising workshop jobs to keep work moving efficiently.
• Liaising with customers to understand requirements and prepare quotations.
• Ordering parts and materials, managing stock and sourcing competitive prices.
• Coordinating outsourced work and communicating with suppliers.
• Maintaining a safe, tidy and well‑organised workshop and reporting hazards.
• Identifying practical ways to improve workshop processes, efficiency and quality.

Skills

Manual machining

Hydraulic repairs

Quality workmanship

Stock management

Education

NVQ/City & Guilds in engineering

Tools

Colchester lathe

Pillar drill

Band saw

Job description

Are you an experienced machinist who enjoys practical engineering, solving problems and taking pride in a job done properly?

An expanding hydraulic engineering business is looking for a Workshop Machinist to play a key role in its machining and repair operation. This is a varied, hands‑on position combining manual machining, component refurbishment and hydraulic repairs with responsibility for organising the workshop's day‑to‑day workload.

You’ll have the opportunity to influence how the workshop runs, improve processes and help develop the department as the business grows.

The Role

From inspecting worn components to machining parts and testing completed repairs, you’ll see jobs through from initial assessment to completion. Your responsibilities will include:

• Diagnosing faults and repairing hydraulic rams, cylinders and associated components.
• Stripping, inspecting, refurbishing and reassembling hydraulic cylinders.
• Testing completed repairs to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Operating manual lathes, including Colchester machines, pillar drills and band saws.
• Carrying out welding work as required.
• Planning and prioritising workshop jobs to keep work moving efficiently.
• Liaising with customers to understand their requirements and prepare quotations.
• Ordering parts and materials, managing workshop stock and sourcing competitive prices.
• Coordinating outsourced work and communicating with suppliers.
• Maintaining a safe, tidy and well‑organised workshop, reporting equipment faults and hazards.
• Identifying practical ways to improve workshop processes, efficiency and quality.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be a practical, reliable engineer with strong machining skills, good attention to detail and the confidence to organise your own workload.

We’re looking for:

• Experience operating manual lathes and general workshop equipment.
• Welding experience and a sound understanding of workshop practices.
• The ability to assess faults, dismantle components and complete accurate repairs.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a commitment to quality workmanship.
• Clear communication skills and confidence dealing with customers, colleagues and suppliers.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and contribute to a team.
• A responsible approach to health and safety.

Experience repairing hydraulic rams or cylinders would be a strong advantage. An engineering qualification, such as an NVQ or City & Guilds, and experience ordering parts or managing stock would also be beneficial.