Rail Grinder Fitter/Operator (Kent)

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)
Location: Based in the Kent area (extensive travel still required)
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 up 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. This role is based in the Kent area but involves regular travel throughout the UK. You will be part of a team of around 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail grinding carriages to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a physically demanding and hands-on role, requiring 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• A detailed monthly rota is provided, but flexibility is essential.

• Extensive travel required throughout the UK.
• Lodging provided at Holiday Inn hotels with breakfast included.
• £25 per night tax-free travel allowance when working away.

• 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Accrue additional leave when working away with the potential for up to 13 extra weeks off annually.
• Paid overtime available when based locally.

• £41,000 at Level 1 + 2 x 7.5% bonuses (£6,300 annually), plus £25/night working away allowance (-£5,000), and overtime when working locally.
• Level 2: £46,500 + £6,975 in bonuses + -£5,000 away allowance = £53,475.
• Level 3: £48,000 + £7,200 bonuses + -£5,000 allowance = £55,200 + overtime potential to reach up to £70,000.

• 7.5% of annual salary, paid twice yearly in April and October.
• Starting bonuses after six months of service (pro-rata available for mid-period starters).
• £25 per night working away allowance.
• Overtime paid at a flat rate for local work.
• 1 week of annual leave is accrued for every 3 weeks worked away.

• Company van and fuel card when needed.
• Life assurance and healthcare cash plan.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Long service awards and seasonal ticket loan options.

• Full training provided, including manual handling, machine setup, and pack-away.
• Progression from Level 1 to Level 3 within two years.
• Opportunities to train as a train operator (psychometric test required).

• Close-knit engineering team with long-term working relationships.
• Work onboard rail grinding machines in dirty and dusty conditions.
• Access to comfort carriages: breakout areas, kitchens, toilets, and manager’s office.
• Full protective gear provided, including air-supplied masks and safety boots.