At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain specialist wheel lathe machinery for rail engineering.
- Company: Join a leading rail maintenance depot with a strong engineering team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift bonuses, training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: 3 on, 3 off shift pattern; excellent long-term career potential.
- Why this job: Develop unique skills in a stable, hands-on engineering role.
- Qualifications: Experience in machining or mechanical fitting; no wheel lathe experience needed.
Looking to put your machining skills into a specialist engineering role? If you have hands-on experience with machining, lathes, CNC or mechanical fitting and you’re looking for a stable permanent position where you can develop specialist skills, this could be an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career within the rail engineering sector.
You’ll join an established engineering team at a busy rail maintenance depot, operating and maintaining specialist wheel lathe equipment used to machine locomotive and wagon wheelsets. You don’t need previous wheel lathe experience. Full training will be provided, giving you the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and become fully competent to operate the equipment independently.
The role
You’ll be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of specialist wheel lathe machinery, machining and maintaining wheelsets used across a fleet of locomotives and wagons. Your responsibilities will include:
- Operating specialist wheel lathe machinery
- Machining locomotive and wagon wheelsets
- Carrying out mechanical fitting and machining activities
- Maintaining equipment and ensuring work is completed safely and to the required standard
- Working as part of a small, hands-on engineering team
- Completing internal and external industry training
- Developing your skills to become fully competent to operate the wheel lathe independently
What we’re looking for
You don’t necessarily need previous wheel lathe experience. If you’ve worked in a hands-on machining, mechanical fitting or heavy machine operating environment, your existing skills could transfer well into this position. Relevant experience could include:
- CNC machining
- Lathe operation
- Mechanical fitting
- Tool setting
- Heavy machinery or machine operation
More important than having direct wheel lathe experience is having good hands-on engineering skills, a strong safety attitude and the willingness to learn a specialist machining process.
What you’ll get
- £43,187 salary including shift allowance
- 3 days on / 3 days off shift pattern
- Rotating 12-hour day and night shifts
- £1,000-£1,500 module bonuses available per module, usually from around 6 months
- Full industry and depot safety training
- Further development and progression opportunities
- Potential progression into Loco Fitter or Wheel Lathe Supervisor positions
- Pension scheme
- Sick pay
- Generous and flexible leave arrangements
- Access to a range of salary sacrifice benefits
This is a permanent position for someone who is looking for stability and wants to develop their skills over the long term. You’ll be joining a practical engineering environment where you’ll have the opportunity to learn a specialist skillset that isn’t readily available in every machining role. The role does involve working a 3 on / 3 off 24/7 shift pattern, including both days and nights, so it’s important that this works for you before applying.
Interested? If you’re a Machinist, CNC Operator, Lathe Operator, Mechanical Fitter or experienced Machine Operator and you’re interested in developing specialist skills within the rail engineering sector, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch with Ganymede for an informal conversation about the opportunity. You don’t need previous wheel lathe experience. Your existing machining or mechanical experience could be the starting point for your next career move.
Ganymede is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Operator / Machinist employer: Ganymede Solutions
Ganymede Solutions is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful role in the rail industry, offering a competitive salary and a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance. With a strong commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills within a supportive culture that values health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence across projects in the South of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operator / Machinist
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Ganymede Solutions, 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 Operator / Machinist
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 Ganymede Solutions 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 Ganymede Solutions
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ganymede Solutions, 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 Ganymede Solutions 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.
