Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and operate rail grinding machines across the UK, ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic team of engineers in a leading rail maintenance company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive travel allowance, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on railway safety while travelling and gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and training, with a supportive team environment.
Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)
Check below to see if you have what is needed for this opportunity, and if so, make an application asap.
Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
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 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail track grinding trains to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a dirty and physically demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home). 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 a 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.
Starting salary and package as follows:
£41,400 (Level 1)
2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = £6,300 annually in April and Sept
Working away allowance: £25 per night tax free worth c£7,000 annually
After 6 months\’ probation, salary rises to £46,000 (Level 2)
When you reach level 3 status your salary goes to £48,000
OTE after 2 years = c£70,000 MUST HAVES:
NVQ LEVEL 3 IN AN ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE
CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
ABILITY TO PASS A MEDICAL
BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE PURPOSES
ABLE TO WORK AWAY FROM HOME
Working away rota:
3 weeks working away, 1 week home leave (so 13 weeks home leave per year)
5 weeks\’ annual leave on top (18 weeks\’ leave in total).
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 time 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.
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 from 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 the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and safety regulations. We want you to show off your knowledge of heavy industrial maintenance and how you can keep those rail grinding machines running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility and willingness to travel. This role involves being away from home quite a bit, so let them know you’re ready to hit the road and tackle the challenges that come with it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we’ll be able to get back to you ASAP for a chat about your situation and availability for an interview.
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 Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be working in a close-knit team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Include examples of teamwork in your application to show us you’re a great fit for our crew!
Be Honest About Your Availability: This role involves extensive travel and time away from home. Be upfront about your flexibility and willingness to work away, as this will help us understand if you’re ready for the demands of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the attention you deserve. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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.
✨Team Player Vibes
This job involves working closely with a team of engineers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, especially in challenging situations. It’s all about showing that you can fit into their close-knit team.
✨Flexibility is Key
With extensive travel and a demanding schedule, it’s crucial to show your flexibility. Be honest about your willingness to work away from home and adapt to different shift patterns. This will reassure them that you’re ready for the lifestyle that comes with the job.
