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- Tasks: Maintain and operate rail grinding machines across the UK, ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading rail engineering company with a strong focus on safety.
- Benefits: Earn up to £70,000 with bonuses, extensive annual leave, and travel allowances.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on railway safety while enjoying travel and career progression.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or relevant apprenticeship required.
- Other info: Work in a close-knit team with full training and excellent career growth opportunities.
Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
Apply fast, check the full description by scrolling below to find out the full requirements for this role.
Salary: Starting salary is: £41,000 (Level 1) + 2 x 7.5% annual retention bonuses paid, with a scope to move up to level 3 and be earning up to £70,000 made if of a basic salary of £48,000 + bonuses and overtime.
Bonus: 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly
Annual Leave: 34 days annual leave + when working away you accrue 1 week’s holiday in every 3 worked, so another 13 weeks off.
Job Overview: We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter to join our team, working on rail grinding machines across the UK. This role involves working within a team of c12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail grinding carriages to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a physically, dirty and demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home) and applicants must have a strong background in heavy industrial maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance and Operation:
Maintain, operate, and assess rail grinding machines in line with operational requirements.
Perform daily maintenance duties, including changing grinding stones, cleaning machines, and addressing accumulated dirt behind grinders.
Operate the grinding machinery safely and effectively, adhering to the operational procedures.
Safety & Compliance:
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental safeguards.
Complete daily work return forms and maintain machine safety packs and operational records.
Serve as 2nd man/fire watch during grinding operations.
Additional Responsibilities:
Undertake general maintenance, including chipping and blowing.
Assist the Grinding or Maintenance Supervisor as needed.
Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required. Person Specification:
Qualifications & Experience:
NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a formal apprenticeship in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
Previous experience in heavy industrial maintenance such as agriculture, aggregates, rolling stock, offshore, or plant fitting.
Hydraulics and pneumatics experience is highly desirable.
Must hold a full driving licence.
Skills:
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Comfortable working in dirty, hands-on role involving heavy machinery.
Flexible with travel requirements (up to 3 weeks away per month).
Strong understanding of health and safety regulations. Work Schedule:
Shift Patterns:
6 days on, 1 day off while away, when working a 4-night shift pattern you will be given 2 days off.
You will be working 280 hours over 8 weeks.
You will be provided with a detailed monthly rota, but flexibility is essential.
Travel:
Extensive travel across the UK. Lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels, with breakfast included.
£25 per night tax-free travel allowance when working away.
Holiday & Time Off:
34 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
Accrue additional when working away with the potential for up to 13 extra weeks of time off annually, depending on shift patterns.
Paid overtime is available for home-based weeks paid at a flat rate. Compensation & Benefits:
Starting Salary:
£41,000 at Level 1 with 2 x 7.5% bonuses paid in April and October worth £3,150 each time and comes to £6300 annually on top of your basic salary, plus your £25.00 per night working away allowance, which could be c£5,000 and overtime paid when working local to your home.
Level 2 salary will rise to £46,500 when you have passed your training, and your twice-yearly bonus will rise to £6975 annually, and your working away allowance which could be c£5,000, bringing your salary to £53,475
Level 3 salary will rise to £48,000 and your annual bonuses will come £7,200 which will raise your annual salary to £55,200 + your working away allowance which could be around £5,000 and then your overtime on top with potential earnings up to £70,000(this is made up from your overtime, allowances and bonuses).
Bonus:
7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly in April and October. Starting bonuses after six months of service, with pro-rata available for those who join mid-period.
£25.00 per night working away allowance
Overtime is paid at a flat working rate when you are based locally
1 week accrued of annual leave for every 3 weeks worked away.
Additional Benefits:
The use of a company van and fuel card when needed.
Life assurance and health care cash plan.
Pension scheme.
Employee Assistance Programme for well being.
Eye care vouchers.
Long service awards and seasonal ticket loan options. Training & Progression:
Full training will be provided, including manual handling, machine setup, and pack-away for operation.
Progression opportunities include advancing through Level 1 to Level 3, with the chance to increase salary significantly within two years.
Opportunities for further progression include training to become a train operator, which requires a psychometric test. Work Environment:
You will work in a close-knit team of engineers, building long-lasting relationships.
The work involves being on board rail grinding machines, sometimes working in dirty and dusty conditions.
You will have access to \”comfort carriages\” on the trains, providing facilities such as breakout areas, kitchens, toilets, and a manager’s office.
We prioritise your safety, providing full protective gear, including air-supplied masks and safety boots. To apply for this role, please send your CV to #Sam through the link and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and also your availability to attend an interview
Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines) employer: CV Bay Ltd
Contact Detail:
CV Bay Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work with rail grinding machines. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and safety regulations. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience with heavy machinery and maintenance tasks, so practice common interview questions related to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on skills! If you have any relevant projects or experiences, be ready to share them during interviews. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in dirty and demanding environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to hit the ground running in this exciting role.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in mechanical engineering and heavy industrial maintenance. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your qualifications!
Show Off Your Team Spirit: Since we work closely as a team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Include examples of how you’ve worked effectively with others in previous roles, especially in demanding environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at CV Bay Ltd
✨Know Your Machines
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of rail grinding machines and their maintenance. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've performed, like changing grinding stones or cleaning machinery. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have hands-on experience too.
✨Safety First!
Since safety is a big part of this role, be prepared to talk about health and safety regulations you've followed in previous jobs. Think of examples where you ensured compliance or dealt with safety issues. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Flexibility is Key
Given the extensive travel involved, highlight your flexibility and willingness to work away from home. Share any past experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or worked in different locations. This will show that you're ready for the demands of the job.
✨Team Player Vibes
This role involves working closely with a team, so be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of successful teamwork, especially in challenging situations. This will help convey that you're not just a skilled engineer but also a great fit for their team culture.
