Mechanical Engineer

Principle Objective

Reporting to the Maintenance Engineering Manager, the Mechanical Engineer is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable and efficient operation of plant and equipment across site operations.

The role focuses on preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, continuous improvement and engineering support to maximise uptime, safety and performance of mechanical systems. Working closely with maintenance, production and site leadership teams, the Mechanical Engineer plays a key role in sustaining asset integrity and supporting future development projects.

Knowledge & Experience

· Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

· Proven experience in a manufacturing, processing or heavy industrial environment.

· Strong understanding of mechanical systems including hydraulics, pneumatics, bearings, drives, conveyors, chain conveyors, lifting equipment.

· Experience with preventative and predictive maintenance systems.

· Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and technical documentation.

· Familiarity with health & safety legislation, safe systems of work and permit-to-work processes.

· Experience supporting plant upgrades, installations or continuous improvement projects.

· Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on approach.

· Machining (Lathe and milling Machine experience would be an advantage).

· Willing to learn new skills.

Key Responsibilities

· Promote and uphold a strong safety culture, ensuring engineering activities are completed in line with company policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

· Provide mechanical engineering support to maintenance and production teams to minimise downtime and improve equipment reliability.

· Diagnose mechanical faults efficiently and implement effective corrective actions.

· Develop and support planned preventative maintenance (PPM) routines and improvement initiatives.

· Work collaboratively with electrical, automation and production colleagues.

· Support plant installations, upgrades, modifications and commissioning activities.

· Identify recurring issues and drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement solutions.

· Assist in the management of spare parts, critical assets and maintenance documentation.

· Support contractors and ensure all external work complies with site safety standards.

· Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports and technical documentation.

· Contribute to engineering projects aimed at efficiency, sustainability and cost reduction.

· Follow all company policies, procedures and standards at all times.

Essential Competencies

· Safety Awareness & Responsibility – Demonstrates a strong commitment to safe engineering practices.

· Technical Expertise – Applies sound mechanical engineering knowledge to solve operational issues.

· Problem Solving – Identifies root causes and implements practical, effective solutions.

· Continuous Improvement – Actively seeks opportunities to improve reliability and performance.

· Communication & Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.

· Ownership & Accountability – Takes responsibility for work quality and outcomes.

Key Performance Measures

· Plant availability and equipment reliability.

· Reduction in unplanned downtime and repeat failures.

· Compliance with safety procedures and engineering standards.

· Quality and effectiveness of maintenance and improvement activities.

· Accuracy of maintenance records and documentation.

· Contribution to cost control and efficiency initiatives.

Key Relationships

· Site Maintenance Manager.

· Maintenance Technicians and Engineers.

· Production and Operations Teams.

· Health & Safety function.

· External contractors and suppliers.

Contract Details

· Contractual Hours: 40 hours per week

· Opportunities available on either a permanent or fixed-term basis, subject to candidate suitability.

Shift Patterns

· Dayshift: 0600hrs-1400hrs, Monday to Friday

· Backshift: 1400hrs-2300hrs, Monday to Thursday/1400hrs-1800hrs, Friday

· Nightshift: 2200hrs-0600hrs, Sunday night to Friday morning

Additional Information:

Given the immediate operational demands of the role, we are looking for candidates who:

· Have direct or transferable experience within a manufacturing, processing, timber, industrial, engineering, or similar production environment.

· Are practical, hands-on engineers with strong fault-finding and problem-solving capabilities.

· Can quickly integrate into an established maintenance team and make an immediate contribution.

· Are willing to work a temporary period of permanent night shift for up to three months to support the recovery plan.

· Are flexible and willing to transition onto the site's standard three-shift rotation once maintenance backlog levels return to expected parameters.

The successful candidates will report into the Engineering function and will play a key role in supporting plant availability, equipment reliability, preventative maintenance programmes and continuous improvement initiatives across site operations.