Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines) in Northampton

Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide Travel)

Package Overview:

• Starting Salary (Level 1): £43,000
• Annual Bonus: 7.5% paid twice yearly (15% total) = £6,450 per year
• Salary rises after probation and rail safety competencies are passed.
• Working away from home for 3 weeks with 1 rest week every 3 weeks.
• Shift pattern is 6 days on 1 day off for 3 weeks, then 7 days off.
• Clear salary and bonus progression annually.

Job Overview:

We are recruiting for experienced Mechanical Engineers / Fitters to join a specialist rail grinding fleet operating nationwide. Working within a close-knit team of approximately 12 engineers per train, you will maintain, fault-find and operate heavy rail-mounted grinding trains that restore rail profiles and ensure the safety and performance of the UK rail network. This is a physically demanding, hands-on role involving mechanical overhauls, hydraulic systems maintenance and night working when trained in the future to operate the grinder train. The role requires extended travel, with 3 weeks per month working away from home. This position would suit candidates from heavy plant, rail, mining, marine, military or other heavy industrial maintenance backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and operate rail grinding machines in line with operational plans and rail safety standards.
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Strip down, inspect and rebuild grinding heads, motors, gearboxes and drive assemblies.
• Change and set grinding stones, monitoring grinding output and machine performance.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic faults (pumps, cylinders, hoses, valves).
• Complete daily inspections, underframe cleaning and component servicing.
• Fault-find mechanical and basic electrical control systems.
• Work safely within rail possessions during night and weekend shifts.
• Accurately complete maintenance documentation and defect reports.

Maintenance and Operation:

• Maintain, fault-find and repair rail grinding machines and on-track plant.
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems.
• Inspect and maintain pumps, motors, gearboxes, hoses, cylinders and valves.
• Diagnose hydraulic pressure faults and mechanical wear issues.
• Strip down, rebuild and replace worn components.
• Undertake daily safety inspections and underframe cleaning.
• Use hand tools, torque equipment and diagnostic test gear.
• Complete maintenance records and work in line with rail safety standards.

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.
• Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.

Person Specification:

Qualifications & Experience:

• MUST HAVE: 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, NO MORE THAN 3 POINTS.
• Must pass a full rail medical and drug and alcohol screening test.
• Must pass a criminal record background check (DBS).

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.
• Full Hotel lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels or Premier Inns, with your own room and breakfast included.
• £45 per night paid when working away as your allowance, which is £7,500 per year and paid into your salary each month.

Holiday & Time Off:

• 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
• 1 rest week off every 3 weeks (13 weeks per year).

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 driver, 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, working in dirty and dusty conditions. You will have access to a comfort carriage on the trains, providing facilities such as a small breakout area, kitchen, 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 through the link, and we will call you back ASAP for a chat about your situation and also your availability to attend an interview.