Lathe & Press Operator (CAF UK, Overhaul facility, Manchester)

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast‑paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community. Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers. Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be! We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way. We’re going places, so apply today and become part of our exciting journey.

What Can You Expect From CAF

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide "what" and "how".
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting‑edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

Role Overview

The Lathe & Press Operator is responsible for machining axles, preparing wheel pans, and assembling wheelsets using precision equipment such as horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses, in accordance with CAF Rail UK overhaul procedures and quality standards. This role ensures all machined and assembled wheelsets meet dimensional tolerances, alignment, and safety specifications, maintaining full compliance with CAF’s HSQE requirements. The Lathe & Press Operator contributes directly to the reliability and performance of overhauled bogies and wheelsets, supporting CAF’s commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality in every stage of the production process.

Key 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.
• Proficient in using precision measuring equipment such as micrometres, dial test indicators, bore gauges, and surface finish testers.
• Familiar with wheelset assembly procedures, including pressing operations, alignment, and fit verification.
• Understanding of machine safety systems, risk assessments, and lock‑out/tag‑out practices.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent quality, safety, and efficiency targets in a production environment.
• Strong attention and commitment to precision in all machining and pressing operations.
• Disciplined, and safety‑conscious when operating heavy and automated equipment.
• Methodical and analytical approach to measurement, tolerances, and process control.
• Proactive in identifying issues or deviations and escalating promptly to supervision.
• Able to work independently on complex machining tasks while contributing effectively within a small production team.
• Organised and tidy work habits, maintaining high 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Adaptable and open to new technology, tooling methods, and process improvements.
• Committed to personal development, continuous improvement, and upholding CAF’s quality culture.

What We Offer

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter. Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme. Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF. As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree‑planting, company‑wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees.

Seniority Level: Entry level

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing