Boilersmith

Join One of the UK's Leading Heritage Railway Boiler Engineering Teams

South Devon Railway Engineering Ltd (part of the South Devon Railway group) is recognised as one of the UK's foremost steam locomotive boiler repair, overhaul and manufacturing facilities. Working for heritage railways, museums, locomotive owners and engineering organisations across the country, we deliver high-quality boiler repairs and new manufacture work that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering standards.

Due to continued growth in our workload, we are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Boilersmith to join our established team at Buckfastleigh, Devon.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide variety of steam locomotive boilers and associated pressure vessel components, contributing directly to the preservation and operation of Britain's railway heritage.

The Role

The successful candidate will undertake the repair, overhaul and manufacture of steam locomotive boilers and associated components, carrying out work to the highest standards of safety, quality and workmanship.

The role will involve:

• Cutting, preparing and fitting steel and copper platework.
• Fabricating and assembling boiler components including fireboxes, tubeplates, smokeboxes and boiler barrel sections.
• Forming and shaping platework using traditional and modern workshop techniques.
• Welding and repairing pressure-containing components in accordance with approved procedures.
• Interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Carrying out dimensional checks and inspections throughout the repair process.
• Supporting hydraulic, steam and insurance inspections.
• Working closely with colleagues across the engineering department to deliver projects on time and to budget.

What We Are Looking For

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

Essential

• Experience in boilersmithing, heavy fabrication, pressure vessel work or a similar engineering discipline.
• The ability to cut, weld, fabricate, form and fit platework to a high standard.
• Experience working on safety-critical engineering equipment.
• Excellent practical engineering and fabrication skills.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• A strong commitment to quality, safety and attention to detail.
• The ability to produce and maintain accurate engineering records.

Quality Assurance and Traceability

As work is undertaken on safety-critical equipment, the successful candidate must be capable of maintaining comprehensive records that demonstrate the quality of work completed and provide assurance of compliance with engineering standards.

This includes:

• Recording repairs and manufacturing activities.
• Maintaining material traceability records.
• Completing inspection and quality documentation.
• Supporting audit and certification requirements.
• Ensuring all work can be verified and evidenced throughout the repair process.

Desirable

• Steam locomotive boiler experience.
• Relevant welding qualifications.
• Experience of coded welding or pressure vessel fabrication.
• Knowledge of heritage railway engineering practices.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work at one of the UK's leading heritage railway boiler engineering facilities.
• A varied and challenging workload involving historic locomotives from across the country.
• A highly skilled and supportive engineering team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Competitive salary, dependent upon experience.
• Staff travel and heritage railway benefits.

Apply

If you are an experienced boilersmith who takes pride in producing high-quality work on some of the most iconic locomotives in Britain, we would like to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person