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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and operate rail grinding machines across the UK.
- Company: We are a leading company in railway maintenance, ensuring safe and efficient tracks.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, bonuses, overtime pay, and a travel allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team, gain hands-on experience, and enjoy significant salary growth.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or relevant apprenticeship required.
- Other info: Extensive travel with lodging provided; full training and progression opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
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 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 £6,300 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 £6,975 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
Familiarise yourself with rail grinding machines and their maintenance requirements. Understanding the specific machinery you'll be working with will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the rail industry, especially those who have experience with heavy industrial maintenance. Engaging with current employees or attending industry events can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with heavy machinery and any relevant qualifications you hold. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects or roles that highlight your skills in mechanical engineering and compliance with safety regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your flexibility regarding travel and shift patterns. Since this role involves extensive travel and varied hours, expressing your willingness to adapt can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as open to such commitments.
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 relevant experience in mechanical engineering and heavy industrial maintenance. Emphasise any qualifications like NVQ Level 3 or formal apprenticeships, as well as specific skills related to rail grinding machines.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the job's demands, such as extensive travel and working in challenging conditions, and how your background makes you a perfect fit.
Highlight Safety Awareness: Given the emphasis on health and safety in the job description, ensure you mention your knowledge and experience with safety regulations and compliance in your application. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
Show Flexibility and Team Spirit: In your application, express your willingness to work flexible hours and travel extensively. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team, especially in demanding environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at CV Bay Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to heavy industrial maintenance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with rail grinding machines, hydraulics, and pneumatics, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team of engineers, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in teams before and how you handle challenges together.
✨Show Your Flexibility
The job requires extensive travel and adaptability to different shift patterns. Be ready to discuss your willingness to travel and how you manage work-life balance when away from home.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in this role. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations and any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance in previous positions.
