Wheel Lathe Operator in Ipswich

Wheel Lathe Operator in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time 30000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Freightliner

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate wheel lathes, perform tyre turning, and maintain machinery in a safe environment.
  • Company: Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, recently awarded Rail Freight Company of the Year.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, a final-salary pension scheme, enhanced parental leave, and various employee perks.
  • Other info: Flexible 12-hour shifts; candidates must live nearby for easy commuting.
  • Why this job: Join an award-winning team committed to safety, diversity, and career growth in a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: Apprentice-trained in machining, mechanical maintenance experience, and a full UK driving licence required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.

Freightliner is the UK’s largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Wheel Lathe Operator

Freightliner Maintenance Ltd- Ipswich

A vacancy has arisen for a Wheel Lathe Operator at our Ipswich Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF). The additional resource is required to ensure continued efficiency, maintain productivity levels, and reduce delays in workshop operations.

The role is essential for carrying out wheel machining, inspection, and maintenance work safely and to the required quality standards. Recruiting an experienced Wheel Lathe Operator will help improve turnaround times, support planned maintenance schedules, and minimise downtime of equipment and rolling stock.

The successful candidate will strengthen depot capability by supporting tyre turning activities on locomotives, wagons, and loose wheelsets in line with approved maintenance plans and technical standards. This recruitment will also help maintain productivity, reduce operational delays, and ensure continued compliance with engineering and safety requirements across the facility’s 24/7 operation.

On your first day, we’ll expect you to have:

  • Commitment to safe working practices
  • Minimum apprentice-trained with a background in machining (CNC)
  • Experience in mechanical maintenance and an appreciation for working to tight tolerances
  • Full UK Driving Licence

Responsibilities whilst working in the role will include:

To perform tyre turning on locomotives, wagons, and loose wheelsets in accordance with approved maintenance plans, company engineering procedures, and technical standards, ensuring all work is completed safely and efficiently.

  • Adhere to health & safety and local safety policy requirements, and other safety and technical standards.
  • Ensure Freightliner company engineering standards and procedures are applied and followed.
  • Complete all tyre turning records accurately, using our electronic Asset Management System and Excel spreadsheets.
  • Operate machinery including forklift trucks, cranes, and the shunt vehicle.
  • Conduct basic preventive maintenance on the wheel lathe.
  • Maintaining high standards of housekeeping to ensure a clean and safe environment.
  • Communicate well with other departments.

Requirements:

  • Commitment to adopting safe working practices
  • An appreciation of mechanical maintenance activities and a willingness to learn.
  • A background knowledge and experience of machining, working to tight tolerances and meticulous record keeping.
  • Preferably apprentice trained or equivalent and have experience in mechanical maintenance practices
  • A UK driving licence.

Our perks and benefits:

Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:

  • Competitive pay
  • Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
  • Access to the company’s life assurance scheme
  • A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.

Ipswich VMF operates a 24/7 shift roster so a flexible approach to working hours is essential. The shifts are 12 hours and fatigue levels are monitored so candidates must live within 1 hour drive distance to the Depot.

This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.

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Wheel Lathe Operator in Ipswich employer: Freightliner

Freightliner is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where IT Support Analysts can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to a reliable IT infrastructure that supports the company's operations.

Freightliner

Contact Details:

Freightliner Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Wheel Lathe Operator in Ipswich

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Freightliner, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Wheel Lathe Operator in Ipswich

Machining Skills
CNC Operation
Mechanical Maintenance
Attention to Detail
Health and Safety Compliance
Record Keeping
Use of Electronic Asset Management Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Freightliner specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Freightliner

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Freightliner, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Freightliner value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.