Rail Workshop Team Members

Zig Zag Railway is one of Australia's most unique heritage railways, located near Lithgow in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Every day, our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering skills to preserve and operate a living piece of Australian history. We're expanding our workshop team and are seeking experienced tradespeople who are practical, adaptable and passionate about quality workmanship.

We're currently recruiting for the following fulltime roles:

• Fitter & Machinist
• Fitter / Welder - Fabricator
• Locomotive Maintainer

Working at Zig Zag Railway is different. Our workshop isn't a production line—it's a place where no two days are the same. One day you might be machining precision components, the next repairing rollingstock, restoring heritage equipment or helping solve complex mechanical problems that simply don't exist anywhere else.

What we're looking for

We're looking for trade-qualified people who enjoy learning, thinking differently and working alongside a team that genuinely loves what it does.

Above all else, we're looking for people who:

• have strong mechanical aptitude and enjoy solving problems
• are flexible and happy to pitch in wherever needed
• learn quickly and enjoy developing new skills
• are team players who enjoy working collaboratively
• take pride in producing quality work
• value safety and professionalism
• have a genuine interest in heritage engineering, railways or heavy industry.

You'll also:

• hold a current driver's licence
• be willing to obtain (or already hold) Forklift, Working at Heights and Confined Space certifications
• successfully complete the required Category 3 Rail Medical
• have basic computer skills
• enjoy working in a practical, safety-focused workshop environment.

 The job opportunities:

These are permanent, full time opportunities working at our workshop in Clarence.

Fitter & Machinist

You'll manufacture, repair and refurbish mechanical components using manual machine tools, supporting the restoration and ongoing maintenance of our heritage fleet.

You'll ideally have:

• Certificate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade (or equivalent)
• experience operating manual lathes and milling machines
• ability to interpret engineering drawings
• precision machining experience
• experience with large manual machines (desirable).

Fitter / Welder – Fabricator

Working on heavy fabrication, structural repairs and restoration projects, you'll combine modern fabrication techniques with traditional heritage skills.

You'll ideally have:

• Certificate III Engineering – Fabrication Trade (or similar)
• strong welding capability (GMAW/MMAW)
• fabrication and heavy structural experience
• oxy cutting and plate preparation skills
• experience working to Australian Standards (desirable)
• an interest in learning traditional boilermaking techniques such as riveting, tube work and heritage restoration.

Locomotive Maintainer

You'll help maintain and inspect Zig Zag Railway's operational locomotives and rollingstock, ensuring they remain safe, reliable and ready for service.

You'll ideally have:

• a mechanical, diesel fitting or electro-mechanical trade background
• experience maintaining locomotives, rollingstock or similar heavy equipment
• excellent fault-finding ability
• willingness to learn heritage locomotive systems
• commitment to rail safety and continuous improvement.

Why join Zig Zag Railway?

• Work on Australia's unique heritage railway.
• Be part of preserving an important piece of Australian history.
• Join a passionate, supportive and highly skilled team.
• Enjoy interesting, varied work that challenges your trade skills.
• Learn specialist heritage engineering techniques rarely found elsewhere.
• Opportunity to grow your skills in a truly unique environment.

If you're looking for more than just another workshop job—and want to build a career where your trade helps preserve Australian history—we'd love to hear from you. Send us your resume and a brief cover letter telling us which job you’re interested in, and why.

Apply now!