At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team ensuring top-notch maintenance of innovative biodiesel production equipment.
- Company: Argent Energy, a leader in sustainable biodiesel production with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, continuous training, enhanced sick pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the green energy sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent experience in maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Backed by Swire, Argent Energy is a leading European waste-based biodiesel producer with a vision to help decarbonise transport worldwide. We believe in using waste materials only and continuously search for new waste to be turned into higher value products. We invest in people and their development as well as R&D to drive innovation in products, technologies and operational excellence. We have sites in England and Amsterdam.
The role operates Mon to Fri, 8am to 4pm. An on‑call rota is in place, paid at £305 per week, with additional payment for call‑out hours on-site. The rota typically operates on a 1‑in‑6 basis, equating to approximately £3k per annum on top of base salary. Overtime is available, and the maintenance team supports 3x planned shutdowns per year for each UK site, during which key maintenance and major works are carried out within defined time windows with extended hours/weekends for the team to execute.
Purpose of the role: You will be working as part of a multi-skilled maintenance team responsible for making sure that all maintenance activities are carried out safely, efficiently and to a high standard to ensure we deliver a reliable production unit which maximises its output. Ensuring both preventative and corrective maintenance is carried out in a timely manner and complies with both Argent policies / standards and external standards e.g. HSE (PUWER, LOLER).
What you will be doing:
- Ensure all reactive and preventative maintenance work is completed to a high standard and all processes are followed whilst working to the scheduled plan.
- Ensure RAMS are carried out for reactive work and always adhere to the site permit to work system.
- Recognise issues with and carry out overhauls of rotating equipment in a methodical and structured manner, working with the reliability engineer/planner to ensure spares are replenished in stock and critical spares are identified.
- Carry out static installations and repairs in a methodical and structured manner ensuring best practice is completed and legislation is complied with.
- Actively carry out fault finding and support the reliability engineer in producing ‘Reliability Improvement Reports’ to capture learning and improvements.
- Support the development of Work Instructions to ensure that we maintain a library of procedures & guidelines for all maintenance tasks carried out.
- Ensure equipment aides used comply with legislation e.g. rigging equipment (LOLER).
- Support project installations and actively participate in shutdowns.
- Support and ensure the ‘Management of Change’ process is strictly adhered to for all relevant plant modifications.
Your key relationships will be:
- Operations – for collaborating on plant issues/planned maintenance
- Health & Safety – for ensuring adherence to health & safety guidelines.
Job requirements
Skills and behaviours you will need to be successful:
- Experience of working with Rotating Equipment (Tricanters/Centrifugal pumps preferable).
- Knowledge of mechanical seal Installations.
- Knowledge/experience of maintaining HP boiler systems.
- Experience of static equipment installations/repairs e.g. PRVs, exchangers.
- Fault finding and preventative maintenance experience.
- Proactive maintenance mindset.
- Systematic fault‑finding.
- Precision and attention to detail.
- Effective communication.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
Qualifications required:
- Industry recognised Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
- ONC in an Engineering discipline or equivalent.
- Post apprenticeship experience working as a Maintenance (Mechanical) Technician within the Chemical/Oil & Gas Industry.
What we offer:
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
- Continuous training to backfill technician grading structure.
- Medicash.
- Enhanced Company Sick Pay.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Enhanced Company pension scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay.
- Free onsite parking.
Maintenance Technician (Mechanical) employer: Argent Energy
At Argent Energy, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that values innovation and sustainability in the biodiesel industry. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our continuous training programmes and supportive work culture, ensuring that our Maintenance Technicians not only excel in their roles but also grow within the company. With competitive benefits such as enhanced sick pay, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on work-life balance, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a vital sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Technician (Mechanical)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Argent Energy.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Argent Energy love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Argent Energy and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Technician (Mechanical)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Argent Energy and the Maintenance Technician (Mechanical) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Argent Energy
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Argent Energy.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Argent Energy.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Argent Energy, making you a more appealing candidate.
