Mechanical Engineer​/Operator-Fitter; Rail Track Grinding Trains

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)

Location:

UK Mobile (Nationwide Travel)

Starting Salary (Level
1): £43,000

Annual Bonus:
7.5% paid twice yearly (15% total) =£6,450 per year

Salary rises after probation and rail safety competencies are passed.

Following the rail grinding train around the UK as a service engineer/fitter

Working away from home for 3 weeks with 1 rest week every 3 weeks.

Shift pattern is 6 days on 1 day off for 3 weeks, then 7 days off.

Clear salary and bonus progression annually

We are recruiting for experienced Mechanical Engineers / Fitters to join a specialist rail grinding fleet operating nationwide.

Working within a close-knit team of approximately 12 engineers per train, you will maintain, fault-find and operate heavy rail-mounted grinding trains that restore rail profiles and ensure the safety and performance of the UK rail network.

This is a physically demanding, hands‑on role involving mechanical overhauls, hydraulic systems maintenance and night working when trained in the future to operate the grinder train. The role requires extended travel, with 3 weeks per month working away from home.

This position would suit candidates from heavy plant, rail, mining, marine, military or other heavy industrial maintenance backgrounds.

• Maintain and operate rail grinding machines in line with operational plans and rail safety standards
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Strip down, inspect and rebuild grinding heads, motors, gearboxes and drive assemblies
• Change and set grinding stones, monitoring grinding output and machine performance
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic faults (pumps, cylinders, hoses, valves)
• Complete daily inspections, underframe cleaning and component servicing
• Fault‑find mechanical and basic electrical control systems
• Work safely within rail possessions during night and weekend shifts
• Accurately complete maintenance documentation and defect reports

• Maintain, fault‑find and repair rail grinding machines and on‑track plant
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems
• Inspect and maintain pumps, motors, gearboxes, hoses, cylinders and valves
• Diagnose hydraulic pressure faults and mechanical wear issues
• Strip down, rebuild and replace worn components
• Undertake daily safety inspections and underframe cleaning
• Use hand tools, torque equipment and diagnostic test gear
• Complete maintenance records and work in line with rail safety standards

• 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.
• Carry out Controller of Site Safety (COSS) duties if required.

• MUST HAVE:
  
  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, NO MORE THAN 3 POINTS
• Must pass a full rail medical and drug and alcohol screening test
• Must pass a criminal record background check (DBS)

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.

Extensive travel across the UK. Full Hotel lodging will be provided at Holiday Inn hotels or…