Mechanical Engineer in Kent

Role: Mechanical Reliability Engineer 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:30 Location: Outskirts of Maidstone Contract Type: Full-time, 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract £5,000 completion bonus KHR is partnering with a leading international manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced Mechanical Reliability Engineer to join their Reliability team on an 18-month fixed-term contract. As the Mechanical Reliability Engineer, this is an excellent opportunity for a proactive engineering professional to play a pivotal role in improving asset reliability, developing maintenance strategies, mechanical maintenance, and driving continuous improvement across a complex manufacturing environment. The Mechanical Reliability Engineer will work closely with both Engineering and Operations teams, enhancing equipment performance through preventative/predictive maintenance, leading root cause investigations, and implementing reliability improvements that maximise plant availability, efficiency, and safety. Key Mechanical Reliability Engineer Responsibilities: - Develop, review, and optimise preventative and predictive maintenance programmes to improve equipment reliability. - Lead root cause investigations into recurring equipment failures, ensuring corrective actions are implemented and tracked to completion. - Step in for the plant Mechanical Engineer when needed - Coordinate condition monitoring activities, including vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermal imaging, and lubrication programmes. - Work collaboratively with maintenance planning teams to ensure maintenance schedules, spare parts, and Bills of Materials are accurate and effective. - Carry out equipment criticality assessments and use findings to develop appropriate maintenance strategies. - Identify and deliver engineering improvement projects that enhance reliability, safety, and operational performance. - Analyse equipment performance data using SAP PM and other maintenance systems to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. - Maintain engineering standards, technical documentation, and maintenance procedures in line with company and ISO requirements. - Support Management of Change (MoC) activities, engineering risk assessments, and safe systems of work. - Provide technical support during planned shutdowns and assist with resolving complex equipment issues. - Participate in the engineering on-call rota to support critical plant requirements. What We're Looking For - HNC in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. - Proven experience in a Mechanical Engineer or Reliability Engineer or similar engineering role within a manufacturing or process environment. - Strong knowledge of preventative and predictive maintenance techniques. - Experience leading Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), FMEA, or other structured problem-solving methodologies. - Familiarity with condition monitoring techniques, including vibration analysis, lubrication management, oil analysis, or thermal imaging. - Experience using SAP PM or another Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS). - Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams. - Good understanding of engineering standards, risk assessments, and health and safety legislation. On top of a competitive base salary, you will receive a £5,000 completion bonus, an enhanced company pension, holiday allowance, and other benefits, including full access to onsite facilities (gym and canteen). TPBN1_UKTJ