Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
Salary: Starting salary is: £41,000 (Level 1) + 2 x 7.5% annual retention bonuses paid, with a scope to move up to level 3 and be earning up to £70,000 made if of a basic salary of £48,000 + bonuses and overtime.
Bonus: 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly
Annual Leave: 34 days annual leave + when working away you accrue 1 week’s holiday in every 3 worked, so another 13 weeks off.
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 c12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail grinding carriages to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a physically, dirty and demanding role that requires extensive travel (up to 3 weeks per month away from home) and 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 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.
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.
- £25 per night tax-free travel allowance when working away.
- Holiday & Time Off:
- 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Accrue additional 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.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Starting Salary:
- £41,000 at Level 1 with 2 x 7.5% bonuses paid in April and October worth £3,150 each time and comes to £6300 annually on top of your basic salary, plus your £25.00 per night working away allowance, which could be c£5,000 and overtime paid when working local to your home.
- Level 2 salary will rise to £46,500 when you have passed your training, and your twice-yearly bonus will rise to £6975 annually, and your working away allowance which could be c£5,000, bringing your salary to £53,475
- Level 3 salary will rise to £48,000 and your annual bonuses will come £7,200 which will raise your annual salary to £55,200 + your working away allowance which could be around £5,000 and then your overtime on top with potential earnings up to £70,000(this is made up from your overtime, allowances and bonuses).
- Bonus:
- 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly in April and October. Starting bonuses after six months of service, with pro-rata available for those who join mid-period.
- £25.00 per night working away allowance
- Overtime is paid at a flat working rate when you are based locally
- 1 week accrued of annual leave for every 3 weeks worked away.
- 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 through 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 “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.
