Engineer - Controls Engineering in Whetstone

Mission of the Role: The Maintenance Engineer ensures maximum equipment uptime, reliability, and safety across the manufacturing facility. This role involves troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical failures, optimising preventive maintenance programs, and implementing continuous improvement projects. The client uses various CNC machines as well as complex thin film vacuum chambers. This role also involves facilities maintenance in respect of managing contractors for building upkeep and performing general repairs around the factory and grounds.

You will be involved in continuous process improvements participating as a team member or under the direct instruction from your manager. You should be able to consistently demonstrate high levels of efficiency and quality in your output whilst ensuring repeat repairs are kept to a minimum. Develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience of the applicable technologies and principles to work mainly unsupervised. Follow the site’s comprehensive safety regulations, promptly report any risks, hazards, or incidents, and ensure a safe workplace by adhering to all established protocols.

Problem Solving Apply advanced diagnostic techniques and Root Cause Analysis to investigate chronic machine failures. Safely utilise PLCs, schematics, and testing equipment to minimise time to repair on critical production assets whilst also showing good levels of craftsmanship and quality in the work that you perform. Use breakdown data to understand trends and areas of concern for deeper analysis and implementation of permanent corrective actions through the way of TPM and service plan optimisation.

Vendor Coordination Serve as the primary technical liaison with OEMs and third-party contractors. Manage equipment service agreements, negotiate critical spare parts procurement, and ensure all on-site vendors strictly adhere to plant safety and compliance regulations. Translate internal engineering needs into clear technical requests for proposals so vendors quote the exact machinery, parts, or services required.

Project Management Have the organisation, drive and communication skills necessary to manage complex projects with both internal and external parties ensuring adherence to plan is maintained. This could be to oversee the installation, commissioning, and testing of new production machinery, managing contractors for building works or machine service and repair.

Physical Demands Maintenance Engineers have a responsibility to assist in the general running of the factory. This will involve physical activities such as transporting parts to various departments within the company. Frequent lifting of weights more than 5kgs may be required along with working in tight spaces and various heights. The work hours for this role follow an alternating shift pattern: 1 week of 06:00am – 14:00pm followed by 1 week of 14:00pm - 22:00pm (Fridays 13:00pm – 21:00pm). Alternating weekend call out availability will also be required. Standby hours of 08:00am – 16:00pm.

The responsibilities listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks to be performed. Additional duties are likely to be required as directed by the Employee’s Manager.

Coating Familiarisation with company machines & value streams, people, and processes. Create and Update TPM for equipment and services. Audit TPM Adherence and Escalate Concerns. Lead projects whilst managing external vendors and contractors. Break down root causes for faults and determine permanent corrective action. Lead problem-solving and projects for your allocated Value Stream. Ensure lost days for Fabrication.

Desired Key Competencies and Skills– An Engineering Degree– Preferred: Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience). Experience: 5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Strong understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, vacuum systems and PLC diagnostics. Strong Problem-solving and diagnostic skills. Ensure all maintenance activities follow HSE, environmental, and site safety standards. Maintain a safe and tidy work area including at the point of repairs. Competent in Project Management. Be self-driven to learn new skills and take on responsibilities. Competent in the use of computer systems. Essential: Microsoft Office and CMMS software.