Lathe & Press Operator

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

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 CAFs HSQE requirements.

The Lathe & Press Operator contributes directly to the reliability and performance of overhauled bogies and wheelsets, supporting CAFs commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality in every stage of the production process.

Your daily duties will include:

• Operate horizontal lathes and hydraulic wheel presses to machine axles, assemble wheelsets, and verify dimensional tolerances in line with CAF overhaul procedures.
• Set up machines, select tools, and perform machining operations to specified dimensions and surface finishes.
• Conduct pre- and post- machining inspections using micrometres, dial gauges, and other precision measurement tools.
• Assemble wheelsets using the wheel press, ensuring correct interference fits, alignment, and pressing force in accordance with engineering data.
• Support brake disc fitting, bearing installation, and related sub-assembly activities as part of wheelset build-up.
• Record all measurements, press readings, and inspection results accurately within CAFs quality control system.
• Adhere strictly to HSQE standards, including lock-out/tag-out procedures, guarding, and equipment safety checks.
• Maintain lathe and press equipment, perform basic fault checks, and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Ensure all tooling, jigs, and gauges are calibrated, clean, and stored correctly.
• Handle components safely using overhead cranes, lifting frames, and wheelset trolleys in accordance with lifting plans.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, process efficiency, and workplace 5S standards.
• Support training and knowledge sharing across the wheelset and machining team.
• Assist as required within other areas of the facility to maintain production requirements.

What salary will you be paid for this position?

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?

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• 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.

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!

Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF.

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree-planting, company-wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!