Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Track Grinding Machines)

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)Location: UK Mobile (Nationwide)
Salary: Starting salary is:  £43,000 (Level 1) + 2 x 7.5% annual retention bonuses paid, with a scope to move up to level 3 and earn 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 for 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 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.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Starting Salary:
• £43,000 at Level 1 with 2 x 7.5% bonuses paid in April and October, worth £3,225 each time and comes to £6450 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 locally 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 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 "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. #ENG1

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