Machinist / Boilersmith – Heritage Steam Vehicle Restoration & Repair
We are seeking a skilled Machinist and/or Boilersmith to join our specialist restoration team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the restoration, repair, fabrication, and maintenance of heritage steam vehicles, including steam locomotives, traction engines, steam wagons, and other historic steam-powered machinery. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong mechanical background and experience in welding, machining, and fabrication who are passionate about preserving engineering heritage while working to the highest standards of craftsmanship and safety.
Responsibilities
- Restore, repair, and maintain heritage steam vehicles, boilers, and associated mechanical components.
- Fabricate replacement parts using traditional and modern engineering techniques while maintaining historical accuracy where required.
- Operate a range of workshop machinery, including lathes, milling machines, drills, hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Perform welding in accordance with recognised industry standards and restoration requirements.
- Fabricate and repair components from sheet metal, steel, cast iron, copper, and other engineering materials using technical drawings, original specifications, or reverse engineering techniques.
- Assist with the overhaul, assembly, installation, testing, and maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels, steam pipework, valve gear, and associated systems.
- Inspect restored and fabricated components to ensure they meet quality, engineering, and safety standards.
- Carry out precision measuring, marking, machining, and fitting using engineering measuring equipment and calculations.
- Diagnose mechanical faults in heritage steam vehicles and carry out repairs to restore safe and reliable operation.
- Work collaboratively with engineers and restoration specialists to preserve the authenticity and operational integrity of historic equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of restoration work and ensure compliance with engineering, boiler, and health and safety regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop environment.
Skills
- Proficiency in welding and fabrication techniques relevant to boiler work and heritage engineering.
- Experience in machining, fabrication, and mechanical restoration of industrial or heritage equipment.
- Skilled in sheet metal fabrication, mechanical fitting, and precision assembly.
- Strong mechanical knowledge with the ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering schematics, and original manufacturing documentation.
- Experience operating manual machine tools, fabrication equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
- Knowledge of boiler construction, steam systems, pressure vessels, and associated mechanical components.
- Ability to manufacture replacement parts using machining and reverse engineering techniques where original components are unavailable.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality workmanship while preserving historical authenticity.
- Good mathematical skills for accurate measuring, machining, and fabrication.
- Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a specialist restoration team.
- Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and craftsmanship.
This role is ideal for motivated individuals with a passion for mechanical engineering, welding, fabrication, and the restoration of heritage steam vehicles. Successful candidates will take pride in preserving historic machinery through expert craftsmanship while ensuring every restoration meets modern safety requirements without compromising historical integrity.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
