PU

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

Pure Talent Group sheffield Posted 17 Oct 2026 Closing: 16 Nov 2026
Permanent Hybrid
£43,000 - £48,000
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Role Description & Technical Scope

Mechanical Engineer / Operator-Fitter (Rail Grinding Machines)
Location:  UK Mobile (Nationwide)
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 12 engineers, maintaining and operating rail track grinding trains to ensure the safety and performance of railway tracks. It is a dirty and physically demanding role that requires 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.
  • 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 a 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.

Starting salary and package as follows:
  • £43,000 rising to £48,000 on passing probation 
  • 2 x 7.5% annual retention payments paid = £7,200 annually in April and Sept
  • Working away allowance: £45 per night tax free worth c£7,000 annually
  • After 6 months' probation, salary rises to £48,000   (Level 2)
  • When you reach level 3 status, your salary goes to £48,000
  • OTE after 2 years = c£70,000
MUST HAVES:
  • NVQ LEVEL 3 IN AN ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
  • FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE
  • CLEAN CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
  • ABILITY TO PASS A MEDICAL
  • BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDER FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE PURPOSES
  • ABLE TO WORK AWAY FROM HOME 

Working away rota:
  • 3 weeks working away, 1 week home leave (so 13 weeks home leave per year)
  • 5 weeks' annual leave on top (18 weeks' leave in total).

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.
    • £45 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.
  • 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.
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Key Details
  • Date Posted: 17 Oct 2026
  • Location: sheffield
  • Employment: Permanent
  • Workplace: Hybrid
  • Domain: Engineering
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Pure Talent Group
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