Mechanical Engineer - Perm in Suffolk
Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) Suffolk About the role
Location: HMP Highpoint, CB8 9YGSalary: £43,177.30Contract: Full Time, 39 hours, Permanent We are seeking an NVQ Level 3 qualified Plumber to join our team at HMP Highpoint a CATEGORY C & male PRISON, as a Mechanical Engineer.
We work Monday to Friday + On call, supporting one another to maintain a safe, secure, and respectful environment.
HMP Highpoint operates like a self-contained TCIY, requiring a wide range of services to run smoothly.
As part of the Facilities Maintenance Team, you will play a vital role in ensuring the prison operates safely and effectively.
The work we do has a direct impact on prisoners, staff, visitors, and the wider community.
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will work alongside skilled and committed colleagues including Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Painters, Cleaners, Administrators, and other professionals, all focused on maintaining a safe and secure environment.
If you are looking for a role where you can use your skills to make a positive difference, we encourage you to apply and join us in supporting rehabilitation and positive change.
We are a Ministry of Justice business and provide critical and time-bound services to HMPPS.
We are looking for a Plumber to join us as a Mechanical Engineer with one of the following NVQ Level 3 qualifications, along with a suitable combination of skills: Qualifications - NVQ Level 3 equivalents City & Guilds - Level 3 (one of the following routes):- Plumbing & Domestic Heating- 6189, 5962, 6032- Heating & Ventilation- 6288-31, 6188, 6088, 6018- Mechanical Engineering Services / Plumbing- 6009, 6019- Engineering Maintenance 214EAL- Diploma in Plumbing and Heating- 603/4028/9 or 600/8595/2BPEC- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating- 600/6863/2ETA- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance- 600/2253/XOther Requirements- Experience working on commercial or industrial heating, water, or building services systems- Minimum two years' experience working as a plumber or in an equivalent role- Familiar with and able to work to Water Supply Regulations and Control of Legionella (L8) requirements- Good working knowledge of planned preventive maintenance (PPM) operations and health and safety requirements If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you!Welcome to careers at Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL).
Joining us is your chance to help ensure prisons are secure and safe for prisoners and prison staff alike, and to play your part in helping prisoners reintegrate into society.
Holidays are 25 days per year plus Bank Holidays, and a range of non-contractual benefits are provided.
These range from Death in Service at 4x salary, to access to private GP consultations and an Employee Assistance Programme that offers counselling and information services for preventative care and to help employees in a crisis.
There are also a range of financial reward mechanisms and access to retailer discounts.
You will find a strong focus on safety, a supportive, inclusive workplace, a competitive benefits package, and real opportunity to build your skills and progress.
Explore facilities careers where you can make difference.
We're passionate about promoting greater diversity and creating a workplace and culture where all of our employees have a voice that is heard, feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be their true selves.
We promise to champion diversity and inclusion with ongoing learning and training, as well as career progression opportunities for everyone.
GFSL has been notified by it's shareholder (MOJ) that the provision of FM Services will in future be delivered by the private sector.
This means that following a successful procurement process, GFSL's services will complete transfer to a private sector provider/providers no sooner than August 2027.
Your tasks
Join our Facilities Maintenance Team as a Mechanical Engineer, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Your profile
NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing or equivalent with relevant experience required.
What's also included
Enjoy 25 days holiday, private GP access, and a competitive salary.
Tech stack & ways of working
Mechanical Engineer - Perm in Suffolk employer: Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL)
At Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL), we pride ourselves on being more than just an employer; we are a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact within the prison system. As an Electrician at HMP Portland, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, private GP consultations, and a strong focus on employee growth and development. Join us in our mission to create a safe environment while advancing your career in a role that truly makes a difference.
View Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) profile
Your perspectives
Make a positive impact on the lives of prisoners and contribute to community safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL).
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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) 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!
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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) and the Mechanical Engineer - Perm 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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL)
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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL).
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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL).
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 Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL), making you a more appealing candidate.
Locations
- Suffolk