Lathe & Press Operator (CAF UK Overhaul Facility, Manchester)

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Lathe & Press Operator is responsible for machining axles, preparing wheel pans, and assembling wheelsets using precision equipment such as horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses, in accordance with CAF Rail UK overhaul procedures and quality standards.

This role ensures all machined and assembled wheelsets meet dimensional tolerances, alignment, and safety specifications, maintaining full compliance with CAF’s HSQE requirements.

What salary will you be paid for this role?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary of £45,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant mechanical/electrical discipline.
• Proven experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in a rail, aerospace, or heavy engineering environment.
• Skilled in machining axles and similar rotating components to tight dimensional tolerances and surface finish specifications.
• Competent in interpreting technical drawings, machining programs, and measurement data sheets.
• Experience setting up, tooling, and maintaining CNC lathes for complex multi-step operations.
• Proficient in using precision measuring equipment such as micrometres, dial test indicators, bore gauges, and surface finish testers.
• Familiar with wheelset assembly procedures, including pressing operations, alignment, and fit verification.
• Understanding of machine safety systems, risk assessments, and lock-out/tag-out practices.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent quality, safety, and efficiency targets in a production environment.
• Strong attention and commitment to precision in all machining and pressing operations.
• Disciplined, and safety-conscious when operating heavy and automated equipment.
• Methodical and analytical approach to measurement, tolerances, and process control.
• Proactive in identifying issues or deviations and escalating promptly to supervision.
• Able to work independently on complex machining tasks while contributing effectively within a small production team.
• Organised and tidy work habits, maintaining high 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Adaptable and open to new technology, tooling methods, and process improvements.
• Committed to personal development, continuous improvement, and upholding CAF’s quality culture.

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.

What will be your role in the company?

The Lathe & Press Operator is responsible for machining axles, preparing wheel pans, and assembling wheelsets using precision equipment such as horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses, in accordance with CAF Rail UK overhaul procedures and quality standards.

This role ensures all machined and assembled wheelsets meet dimensional tolerances, alignment, and safety specifications, maintaining full compliance with CAF’s HSQE requirements.

What salary will you be paid for this role?

As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a salary of £45,000 per annum.

What will make you successful in this position?

• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant mechanical/electrical discipline.
• Proven experience operating precision CNC horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses in a rail, aerospace, or heavy engineering environment.
• Skilled in machining axles and similar rotating components to tight dimensional tolerances and surface finish specifications.
• Competent in interpreting technical drawings, machining programs, and measurement data sheets.
• Experience setting up, tooling, and maintaining CNC lathes for complex multi-step operations.
• Proficient in using precision measuring equipment such as micrometres, dial test indicators, bore gauges, and surface finish testers.
• Familiar with wheelset assembly procedures, including pressing operations, alignment, and fit verification.
• Understanding of machine safety systems, risk assessments, and lock-out/tag-out practices.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent quality, safety, and efficiency targets in a production environment.
• Strong attention and commitment to precision in all machining and pressing operations.
• Disciplined, and safety-conscious when operating heavy and automated equipment.
• Methodical and analytical approach to measurement, tolerances, and process control.
• Proactive in identifying issues or deviations and escalating promptly to supervision.
• Able to work independently on complex machining tasks while contributing effectively within a small production team.
• Organised and tidy work habits, maintaining high 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Adaptable and open to new technology, tooling methods, and process improvements.
• Committed to personal development, continuous improvement, and upholding CAF’s quality culture.