Wheel Lathe Operator

Together we move what matters

We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter cleaner more resilient freight future. And we have the opportunity to build it.

Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery driving trains engineering or business support the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions easing road congestion strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work with real impact.

Previously operating as Freightliners Heavy Haul business we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Groups acquisition of Freightliner UKs Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026.

Heavy Haul Rail is the UKs next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe its time to move differently. Congested roads rising emissions fragile supply chains. These arent just logistical challenges; theyre environmental and economic wake-up calls. Were here to lead the modal shift helping businesses transition from road to rail with confidence clarity and measurable impact.

We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rails team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK running 250 trains per week.

Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies including the provision of drivers and route conducting services.

But none of this happens without us its people.

Join our team:
Wheel Lathe Operator

What Youll Do

As a Wheel Lathe Operator youll play a vital role in ensuring the safety reliability and performance of our rail vehicles. Working as part of a skilled engineering team youll carry out wheel turning activities on locomotives wagons and loose wheelsets while maintaining the highest standards of safety quality and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating the wheel lathe to carry out tyre turning activities in accordance with approved maintenance plans and engineering standards.

• Supporting the maintenance and reliability of locomotives wagons and wheelsets through precision machining and inspection activities.

• Operating associated equipment including forklift trucks overhead cranes and shunt vehicles where authorised and trained.

• Completing maintenance records accurately using electronic asset management systems and associated documentation.

• Carrying out pre-use checks on tooling and equipment and undertaking basic preventive maintenance on the wheel lathe.

• Maintaining excellent housekeeping standards and promoting a safe clean and efficient working environment.

• Participating in training competency assessments safety briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver safe high-quality engineering outcomes.

What Were Looking For

Were looking for someone who takes pride in their work has a strong safety focus and enjoys being part of a team that keeps Britains rail freight network moving.

Youll ideally bring:

• A commitment to safe working practices and compliance with engineering standards and procedures.

• Experience in machining environments and working to tight tolerances.

• Strong attention to detail and a disciplined approach to record keeping and documentation.

• An understanding of mechanical maintenance activities and an eagerness to develop technical skills.

• Experience gained through an apprenticeship engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience in a mechanical maintenance environment.

• A proactive attitude with the ability to identify improvements and solve problems.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the business.

• A full UK driving licence.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with rail heavy engineering manufacturing mechanical maintenance or machining backgrounds.

This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.

Here youre not one small part of a big machine. Youre a key contributor with national significance and real-world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail you can expect:

• Purpose that matters. Your work contributes to a cleaner more efficient freight industry.

• Opportunity to shape whats next. Were new agile and ready to do things differently your ideas help build our future.

• A team that moves forward together. Collaboration respect and shared ambition define how we work.

• A commitment to excellence. We deliver with pride precision and professionalism.

• Room to grow. Your development fuels our…