Mechanical Engineer

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.