Location

Tyseley Locomotive Works, Birmingham, UK

Contract & Hours

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (core hours typically Monday–Friday; occasional evenings, weekends or overtime may be required to support operational deadlines, main line commitments, maintenance requirements and test runs).

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience, capability and level of skill, and will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

This role suits a practical, detail-focused carriage fitter who takes pride in maintaining historic railway vehicles to a safe, reliable and presentable standard. The successful candidate will combine strong mechanical and workshop skills with a disciplined approach to inspection, repair, documentation and safe systems of work.

About Tyseley Locomotive Works

Tyseley Locomotive Works is a leading UK centre for the maintenance, repair, overhaul and operation of historic locomotives and rolling stock. Our teams preserve nationally significant railway heritage while delivering safe, reliable main line and heritage railway operations.

Role Purpose

As a Carriage Fitter, you will carry out inspection, maintenance, repair and refurbishment work on heritage carriage and rolling stock components and assemblies. Working across routine maintenance, planned overhauls, defect rectification and restoration projects, you will help ensure that vehicles are mechanically sound, safe for operation and maintained to a high standard of workmanship and presentation.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, Carriage & Wagon Manager or nominated supervisor, the postholder will work as part of the Tyseley Locomotive Works engineering team and will liaise effectively with colleagues, contractors, volunteers and operational staff as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out carriage maintenance, overhaul and repair work, including inspection, adjustment, dismantling, refurbishment and reassembly of mechanical and structural components.
• Inspect, maintain and repair running gear, bogies, suspension, axleboxes, bearings, brake equipment, couplings, drawgear, gangways, doors, steps and related carriage fittings.
• Support planned maintenance examinations, defect rectification and preparation of vehicles for operational use, ensuring work is completed safely, accurately and to the required standard.
• Use appropriate workshop tools, lifting equipment, measuring equipment and safe working methods when handling and fitting carriage components.
• Identify defects, wear, corrosion or safety concerns and report them promptly, helping to prioritise repair work and prevent operational failures.
• Complete maintenance records, inspection sheets and job documentation so that work is traceable, auditable and properly controlled.
• Work in accordance with health and safety requirements, risk assessments, method statements, site procedures and railway safety expectations.
• Work constructively with engineering colleagues, operational staff, contractors and volunteers, communicating progress, risks and technical issues clearly.

Skills & Experience (Essential)

• Proven experience as a carriage fitter, mechanical fitter, rolling stock technician or multi-skilled engineering technician in rail, heritage rail, heavy engineering, marine, automotive, plant or a similar mechanical environment.
• Strong practical fitting skills, including dismantling, inspection, repair, adjustment and reassembly of mechanical components.
• Good understanding of carriage or rolling stock systems, including running gear, suspension, brakes, bearings, couplings, doors, body fittings and associated equipment.
• Ability to identify defects, wear and corrosion, and to take a careful, methodical approach to repair and refurbishment work.
• Competence in using hand tools, workshop equipment, lifting tackle, slings and measuring equipment safely and accurately.
• Ability to work from drawings, technical instructions, maintenance schedules and safe systems of work.
• Ability to complete job documentation clearly and consistently.
• Sound understanding of workshop health and safety, including manual handling, working at height, safe access and egress from rail vehicles, and the safe use of tools and equipment.

Desirable Experience

Desirable experience includes previous work on heritage railway carriages, passenger coaches, bogies, brake systems, doors, gangways, bodywork repairs, timber or metal fabrication, upholstery interfaces or other carriage and wagon components. Experience of working in a safety-critical railway or heavy engineering environment would also be advantageous.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be practical, reliable and safety-conscious, with a calm approach to problem solving and a willingness to work collaboratively in a specialist heritage engineering environment. Pride in workmanship, attention to detail and respect for historic railway vehicles are essential.

Application

To apply, please send a CV and covering note setting out your relevant engineering experience, carriage or rolling stock maintenance experience, practical fitting capability and interest in working with historic railway vehicles.