Welding Support Operative (Permanent)

About Yellow Rail

Yellow Rail is a trusted UK rail engineering partner based in Derby, delivering professional, reliable, and agile solutions across the rail industry. Operating from its engineering centre at Derby Carriage Works, the company provides a range of specialist services including bogie overhaul and repair, rolling stock maintenance, material supply, re-engineering, specialist welding, and mobile wheel lathe services. Built on technical expertise, a strong safety culture, and a commitment to innovation, Yellow Rail supports customers in improving the reliability, availability, and performance of their rail assets while providing opportunities for employees to develop and grow their careers.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and reliable Welding Support Operative to join our Welding and Fabrication team in Derby. Reporting to the Welding & Fabrication Lead, Workshop Supervisor, or Workshop Manager, you will support the manufacture, repair, and modification of rail car carrier components. This role is ideal for someone with workshop experience who is looking to further develop their welding and fabrication skills within the rail engineering industry. Working within a safety-critical environment, you will play an important role in ensuring products are prepared, assembled, and finished to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Support welders and fabricators with day-to-day production activities.
• Prepare, clean, de-burr, fettle, grind, and finish welded components to the required quality standards.
• Assist with measuring, marking out, fitting, and positioning components prior to welding and fabrication activities.
• Safely operate hand tools, grinders, drills, and other workshop equipment.
• Carry out basic tack welding where trained, authorised, and competent to do so.
• Assist with the repair, modification, and fabrication of rail car carrier components and assemblies.
• Move materials, parts, and fabricated components safely within the workshop environment.
• Carry out visual inspections and report any defects, non-conformances, or safety concerns to the Team Leader.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and organisation within the welding and fabrication areas.
• Follow all company health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements, including the correct use of PPE.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve production targets and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Team Leader, Supervisor, or Workshop Manager.

Person Specification Essential

• Previous experience working within a manufacturing, engineering, welding, fabrication, or heavy industrial environment.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, grinders, drills, and workshop equipment safely.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and instructions.
• Good attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Strong awareness of health and safety requirements within a workshop environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and a positive, flexible attitude.
• Willingness to learn and develop welding and fabrication skills.

Desirable

• Experience within the rail industry or other safety-critical engineering sectors.
• Basic welding experience or welding qualifications.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in Welding, Fabrication, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of workshop quality standards and continuous improvement practices.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or lifting and slinging experience.

What We Offer

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Employee discounts scheme.
• Opportunity to work for a respected and growing rail engineering organisation.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Supportive team environment with a strong safety culture.
• The opportunity to develop your welding and fabrication skills within a specialist rail engineering business.
• The chance to contribute to projects that improve the reliability and performance of the UK's rail network.

Pay: £15.00 per hour

Work Location: In person