Wheel Lathe Operator

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Wheel Lathe Operator

Freightliner Maintenance Ltd– Ipswich

A vacancy has arisen for a Wheel Lathe Operator at our Ipswich Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF). The additional resource is required to ensure continued efficiency, maintain productivity levels, and reduce delays in workshop operations.

The role is essential for carrying out wheel machining, inspection, and maintenance work safely and to the required quality standards. Recruiting an experienced Wheel Lathe Operator will help improve turnaround times, support planned maintenance schedules, and minimise downtime of equipment and rolling stock.

The successful candidate will strengthen depot capability by supporting tyre turning activities on locomotives, wagons, and loose wheelsets in line with approved maintenance plans and technical standards. This recruitment will also help maintain productivity, reduce operational delays, and ensure continued compliance with engineering and safety requirements across the facility’s 24/7 operation.

On your first day, we’ll expect you to have:

• Commitment to safe working practices
• Minimum apprentice-trained with a background in machining (CNC)
• Experience in mechanical maintenance and an appreciation for working to tight tolerances
• Full UK Driving Licence

Responsibilities Whilst Working In The Role Will Include To perform tyre turning on locomotives, wagons, and loose wheelsets in accordance with approved maintenance plans, company engineering procedures, and technical standards, ensuring all work is completed safely and efficiently.

• Adhere to health & safety and local safety policy requirements, and other safety and technical standards.
• Ensure Freightliner company engineering standards and procedures are applied and followed.
• Complete all tyre turning records accurately, using our electronic Asset Management System and Excel spreadsheets.
• Operate machinery including forklift trucks, cranes, and the shunt vehicle.
• Conduct basic preventive maintenance on the wheel lathe.
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping to ensure a clean and safe environment.
• Communicate well with other departments.

Requirements

• Commitment to adopting safe working practices
• An appreciation of mechanical maintenance activities and a willingness to learn.
• A background knowledge and experience of machining, working to tight tolerances and meticulous record keeping.
• Preferably apprentice trained or equivalent and have experience in mechanical maintenance practices
• A UK driving licence.

Our Perks And Benefits Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do.

Skills We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:

• Competitive pay
• Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Access to the company's life assurance scheme
• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle. From reimbursement on health treatments, to savings on new cars.

Ipswich VMF operates a 24/7 shift roster so a flexible approach to working hours is essential. The shifts are 12 hours and fatigue levels are monitored so candidates must live within 1 hour drive distance to the Depot.

This post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.

Could it be time to start your career journey with us?

Apply today! Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.