At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and operate rail grinding machines across the UK, ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic team of engineers in a hands-on, impactful role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive travel perks, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in railway safety while travelling and gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering and a full UK driving licence required.
Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
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 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail track grinding trains to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a dirty and physically demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home). 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 a 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.
Starting salary and package as follows:
- £43,000 (Level 1) then goes to £48,000 on passing probation
- 2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = £7,200 annually in April and Sept
- Working away allowance: £45 per night c. £9,000 annually
- OTE after 2 years = c. £70,000
MUST HAVES:
- NVQ LEVEL 3 IN AN ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
- FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE
- CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
- ABILITY TO PASS A MEDICAL
- BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE PURPOSES
- ABLE TO WORK AWAY FROM HOME
Working away rota:
- 3 weeks working away, 1 week home leave (so 13 weeks home leave per year)
- 5 weeks' annual leave on top (18 weeks' leave in total).
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 and the a working away allowance of £45 per night.
Holiday & Time Off:
- 34 days' annual leave (including bank holidays). Accrue additional time 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.
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 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 a 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.
Locations
Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Trains) in Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Pure Talent Group
Join a well-established HVAC business in Peterborough that values its employees by offering competitive salaries, paid door-to-door travel, and generous overtime opportunities. With a strong focus on employee growth through ongoing training and a diverse range of commercial projects, this company fosters a supportive work culture where your skills can flourish. Experience the advantage of working in a dynamic environment that prioritises both professional development and job satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Trains) in Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Pure Talent Group.
✨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 Pure Talent Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Pure Talent Group 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 Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Trains) in Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Pure Talent Group and the Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Trains) 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 Pure Talent Group
✨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 Pure Talent Group.
✨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 Pure Talent Group.
✨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 Pure Talent Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
