Mechanical Craft Engineer in Kent
Mechanical Craft Engineer

Mechanical Craft Engineer in Kent

Kent Full-Time 49453 - 49453 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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DS Smith

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Perform mechanical maintenance and ensure high-speed manufacturing equipment runs smoothly.
  • Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programme.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in a leading paper mill.
  • Qualifications: Mechanical engineering experience and strong problem-solving skills required.

The predicted salary is between 49453 - 49453 £ 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
What We’re Looking For
  • 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
What we can offer you:
  • Competitive salary
  • Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
  • Pension scheme & Life insurance
  • Share Save scheme
  • Income Protection
  • 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
  • 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 believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change.

Mechanical Craft Engineer in Kent employer: DS Smith

At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the sustainable packaging industry, offering our Mechanical Craft Engineers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, pension schemes, and health support. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth within one of the UK's most advanced paper mills located in Kemsley. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a positive impact on sustainability while ensuring your skills are valued and developed.
DS Smith

Contact Detail:

DS Smith Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Mechanical Craft Engineer in Kent

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DS Smith or in the mechanical engineering field. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with machinery like bearings and gearboxes. Show us how you’ve tackled mechanical breakdowns in the past!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to highlight your commitment to health and safety standards during interviews. We want to know how you ensure safe practices while working on-site, so share specific examples from your previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the Kemsley Paper Mill. Let’s make that connection!

We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Craft Engineer in Kent

Mechanical Engineering
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Fault Diagnosis
Problem-Solving Skills
Continuous Improvement
Collaboration
Health & Safety Standards
Maintenance Documentation
Experience with Bearings
Experience with Pumps
Experience with Conveyors
Experience with Gearboxes
Experience with Hydraulics
Experience with Pneumatics
Experience with Rotating Equipment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Craft Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in mechanical maintenance and fault-finding skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Kemsley Paper Mill. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills, especially those related to bearings, pumps, and hydraulics. We’re keen on seeing how your hands-on experience can help us maintain our high-speed manufacturing equipment.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around the equipment mentioned in the job description like bearings, pumps, and gearboxes. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role.

✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share examples of how you've diagnosed faults and implemented long-term solutions in past roles. Think of specific instances where your quick thinking minimised downtime or improved efficiency, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach.

✨Safety First

Since health and safety is a big deal in this role, be prepared to talk about your commitment to safety standards. Share any relevant training or certifications you have, and discuss how you've ensured safe practices in previous positions.

✨Team Player Vibes

This role requires collaboration with production and engineering teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team setting, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you're not just a lone wolf.

Mechanical Craft Engineer in Kent
DS Smith
Location: Kent
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