At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve production assets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking engineering team at a leading manufacturing site.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime, pension, structured training, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Time-served engineering apprenticeship or equivalent experience; mechanical or electrical bias preferred.
The predicted salary is between 54300 - 54300 £ per year.
We are recruiting Mechanical and Electrical Shift Engineers to join our engineering team at our Burscough manufacturing site. This is an exciting time to join as we invest in improving asset reliability, strengthening engineering capability, and developing a truly multi-skilled maintenance function.
Our site operates high-speed manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced environment where engineering excellence directly impacts safety, quality, and operational performance. We are building a culture where engineers are trusted specialists — empowered to diagnose problems, drive improvements, and influence how work is carried out.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy hands-on problem solving, ownership of plant performance, and working within a supportive, forward-thinking team.
As a Shift Engineer, you will play a critical role in maintaining and improving the performance of production assets. Acting as a technical expert on shift, you will balance reactive maintenance with proactive reliability activities to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency. You will be expected to work independently while collaborating closely with production teams to deliver safe, high-quality engineering solutions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering planned preventative maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and longevity
- Rapid fault finding and repair across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and PLC-controlled systems
- Supporting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions
- Identifying and driving continuous improvement opportunities
- Ensuring all work complies with site safety standards and engineering best practice
- Communicating clearly with production and engineering colleagues during shift handovers
- Maintaining accurate documentation and maintenance records
- Supporting installation, modification, and commissioning of equipment when required
You will be working in a high-volume manufacturing setting where teamwork, accountability, and professionalism are essential. The engineering function is a visible and valued part of the operation, and engineers are encouraged to share ideas, challenge inefficiencies, and contribute to improvement initiatives.
We are committed to developing a modern, multi-skilled engineering team supported by structured training and continuous learning.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking motivated engineers with strong technical foundations and a proactive mindset. You should have:
- A time-served engineering apprenticeship or equivalent hands-on experience
- Mechanical or electrical bias, with willingness to develop broader multi-skilled capability
- Experience working in a manufacturing, production, or FMCG environment
- Strong diagnostic and fault-finding ability
- A safety-first mindset and commitment to engineering standards
- A practical, solution-focused approach
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Pride in delivering high-quality workmanship
Most importantly, we are looking for engineers who take ownership, remain calm under pressure, and want to contribute to continuous improvement.
What We Offer
We recognise the importance of attracting and retaining skilled engineers and provide a competitive package that includes:
- Competitive salary with shift premium
- Overtime opportunities
- Company pension and life assurance
- Structured training and development pathways
- Opportunities to build multi-skilled capability
- Support for professional growth and progression
- On-site facilities and wellbeing initiatives
- A stable, supportive team environment
Why Join Us?
This is more than a maintenance role — it’s an opportunity to be part of a site investing in engineering excellence. You’ll be trusted to make decisions, encouraged to develop your skills, and supported by a team that values collaboration and professionalism.
If you are passionate about engineering, reliability, and improvement — we want to hear from you.
Shift Mechanical & Electrical Engineer (4-on/4-off) in Burscough employer: DS Smith
Join our dynamic engineering team at our Burscough manufacturing site, where we prioritise innovation and excellence in a supportive work culture. As a Shift Mechanical & Electrical Engineer, you'll benefit from competitive pay, structured training, and opportunities for professional growth while working in a fast-paced environment that values teamwork and accountability. We are committed to empowering our engineers to drive improvements and take ownership of their work, making this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Mechanical & Electrical Engineer (4-on/4-off) in Burscough
✨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.
✨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 love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of DS Smith 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 Shift Mechanical & Electrical Engineer (4-on/4-off) in Burscough
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 and the Shift Mechanical & Electrical Engineer (4-on/4-off) 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
✨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.
✨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.
✨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, making you a more appealing candidate.
