At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair rail freight wagons in a hands-on mechanical role.
- Company: Join DB Cargo UK, a leader in the rail freight industry.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,914, rising to £28,842 with training and development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Gain practical skills while contributing to the UK's rail network safety and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Mechanical mindset; experience or qualifications in Mechanical Engineering preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Stoke
Salary: Starting salary: £25,914 per year
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent.
The role: At DB Cargo UK, we're recruiting for a Mechanical Fitter to join our Wagons team at our Stoke depot. This is a hands-on mechanical role maintaining, repairing and overhauling rail freight wagons, helping to keep the UK's rail freight network moving safely and efficiently. We're looking for people with practical mechanical skills and the right attitude. Previous rail experience isn't required - we'll provide the training and support needed to help you become fully competent in the role.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 07:30 - 16:30, with overtime opportunities available. Starting salary: £25,914, rising to £28,842 once competency has been achieved. Competency is typically achieved within six months, although can be reached sooner depending on individual progress.
Whether you've gained your experience through employment or have recently completed a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, we'd love to hear from you. You'll join an experienced team where no two days are the same. From routine maintenance and inspections through to mechanical repairs and wagon refurbishments, you'll develop new skills while building a long-term career within the rail industry.
What will you be doing? Based in our busy engineering workshop, you'll work on large rail freight wagons and mechanical equipment. This is a physically active role involving the use of hand and power tools, lifting mechanical components and working underneath rolling stock. Full training and all necessary PPE will be provided.
You'll be responsible for:
- Carrying out maintenance, repair and overhaul work on freight wagons.
- Assisting with fault finding and mechanical repairs.
- Completing planned maintenance and inspections.
- Working underneath wagons and bogies to carry out inspections and repairs.
- Replacing mechanical components using a variety of hand and air tools.
- Supporting brake testing, grinding and fabrication activities where required.
- Completing maintenance records and work documentation accurately.
- Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and safety within the workshop.
- Working closely with experienced colleagues whilst developing your own knowledge and skills.
What are we looking for? We're looking for people with a strong mechanical mindset who are eager to learn and develop. Whether you've gained your experience through work or education, we'd love to hear from you.
Experience in any of the following would be beneficial:
- Mechanical maintenance or fitting.
- Mechanical assembly.
- Vehicle, HGV or plant maintenance.
- Manufacturing or production engineering.
- Using hand and air tools.
- Fabrication or grinding.
- A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Previous rail experience isn't essential. We'll provide the training and support needed to help you become fully competent in the role.
Most importantly, we're looking for people who are:
- Reliable and dependable.
- Safety conscious.
- Willing to learn and develop new skills.
- Positive and proactive.
- Looking for a long-term career with opportunities to progress.
What matters to you? Here at DB Cargo we offer a range of benefits as part of your employment. These will include:
- Starting salary of £25,914, rising to £28,842 once competency has been achieved.
- Competency is expected to take around six months, although this may be longer or sooner depending on individual progress.
- 36 hour working week.
- 225 hours annual leave per year, plus Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- Defined Contribution pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
- Annual pay reviews.
- Free on-site parking.
- EV charging at selected sites.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Manager-led recognition programme.
- Access to DB Learning World.
- Ongoing training, development opportunities and recognised qualifications.
- Employee benefits portal with discounts at a range of retailers and services.
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your health and wellbeing.
Please click APPLY to send your CV for this role.
Candidates with experience of: Maintenance Fitter, Engineering Maintenance Fitter, Mechanical Technician, Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Engineering Technician (Mechanical), may also be considered for this role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Fitter (Rail) in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like DB Cargo UK Limited.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like DB Cargo UK Limited love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of DB Cargo UK Limited and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Fitter (Rail) in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for DB Cargo UK Limited and the Mechanical Fitter (Rail) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at DB Cargo UK Limited
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at DB Cargo UK Limited.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at DB Cargo UK Limited.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with DB Cargo UK Limited, making you a more appealing candidate.