At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure machinery runs smoothly and efficiently at a leading paper mill.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering experience and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a skilled and proactive Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join the Engineering team at our Kemsley Paper Mill. This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the largest and most advanced paper mills in the UK, supporting the reliability and performance of high-speed manufacturing and processing equipment.
Working on a continental 4 on / 4 off shift rota, you will play a key role in ensuring plant availability, minimising downtime, and delivering safe, efficient maintenance across the site.
Key Responsibilities- Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities across site machinery and equipment
- Respond quickly and effectively to mechanical breakdowns
- Diagnose faults and implement long-term engineering solutions
- Support continuous improvement and reliability initiatives
- Work collaboratively with production and engineering teams to maximise plant performance
- Ensure all work is completed safely and in line with company procedures and standards
- Accurately complete maintenance documentation and shift reports
- Contribute to shutdowns, overhauls, and project work where required
- Time-served Mechanical Engineer or recognised Engineering Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- Experience within a heavy manufacturing, industrial, FMCG, paper, steel, recycling, or process environment
- Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with: Bearings, pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, hydraulics, pneumatics, and rotating equipment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a shift engineering team
- A strong commitment to health & safety standards
- Competitive salary
- Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
- Pension scheme & Life insurance
- Share Save scheme
- Income Protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
- Cycle to Work and shopping discounts
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
Mechanical Maintenance Craft Engineer in Sittingbourne employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a pension scheme, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Our work culture at the Kemsley Paper Mill fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth within one of the UK's most advanced paper mills. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, efficiency, and sustainability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Maintenance Craft Engineer in Sittingbourne
✨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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED.
✨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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED 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 Mechanical Maintenance Craft Engineer in Sittingbourne
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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED and the Mechanical Maintenance Craft Engineer 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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED.
✨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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED.
✨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 DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED, making you a more appealing candidate.
