Shift Technician (Mechanical) in Tilbury

Location: Port of Tilbury

Hours: 42 hours Shift Pattern 4 on 4 off (2 days / 2 nights) including weekends

Compensation: £53,745 + Shift Allowance £13,437

Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. We are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind.

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint Mechanical Shift Technicians to join the LCTE Engineering team at the Port of Tilbury. In this role, you will work as part of a dedicated engineering team responsible for the planned and reactive maintenance on a range of terminal equipment. The position involves carrying out scheduled maintenance, fault diagnosis, and mechanical and electrical repairs, while providing technical support to operational plant. The role includes regular working at height, using approved access equipment and fall‑protection systems, in full compliance with permit-to-work procedures and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair Container Cranes, Straddle Carriers, and other terminal equipment, working flexibly across electrical and mechanical disciplines in line with company safety, environmental, and quality policies.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimise downtime and operational disruption.
• Ensure all maintenance work is completed safely and to a high standard, supporting equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Accurately and concisely record all maintenance activities, inspections, fault findings, and repairs using the designated maintenance reporting software.
• Communicate effectively with Shift Supervisors and Engineering Management, providing timely updates on equipment condition, faults, and work progress.
• Support equipment reliability and compliance through fault investigation, statutory inspections, safety checks, and accurate maintenance documentation.
• Safely operate and inspect engineering plant and equipment in accordance with procedures, including MEWPs, cranes, FLTs, and plant vehicles.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, lubrication, and cleanliness across workshops and equipment.
• Take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others, fully complying with all London Container Terminal health, safety, environmental, and security policies.
• Work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with Operations, Engineering colleagues, and Technical Specialists to support safe and efficient terminal operations.
• Demonstrate flexibility to work shift patterns and overtime as required to meet operational demands.
• Carry out additional duties as reasonably assigned by the Line Manager.

Technical Skills – Essential

• Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills across industrial and mobile plant.
• Strong understanding of mechanical safety requirements and safe working practices.
• Fault-finding and diagnostic experience with hydraulic systems.
• Experience working with diesel engine power units.
• Good understanding of preventative and reactive mechanical maintenance.

Technical Skills – Desirable

• Experience working with Volvo Penta and Sisu power units.
• Experience with hot works, including welding, cutting and burning.
• Experience in mechanical fabrication and turning.
• Experience inspecting, maintaining and replacing wire ropes.

Essential Qualifications

• ONC or HNC in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, or engineering related).
• Completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship.

IT & Personal Skills

• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work autonomously and effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary engineering team.
• Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving ability.

What Forth Ports can offer you:

• A competitive salary.
• Group Bonus.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary.
• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family.
• On-site Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs.
• An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees.
• GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms.
• Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting.
• On-site free parking available for all employees.
• Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover.
• Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays.

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Required Criteria

• ONC or HNC in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, or engineering related).
• Completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship.
• Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills across industrial and mobile plant.
• Strong understanding of mechanical safety requirements and safe working practices.
• Fault-finding and diagnostic experience with hydraulic systems.
• Experience working with diesel engine power units.
• Good understanding of preventative and reactive mechanical maintenance.

Company Culture

As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding, with significant opportunities for promotion and career development.

Company Benefits

• Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme.

Salary £67,182.00 per year.