At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical operations, ensuring safety and performance across multiple sites.
- Company: Join National Gas, the backbone of Britain's energy network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, company car, and overtime earnings.
- Other info: Dynamic field-based role with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical engineering background and leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 55500 - 65500 € per year.
£55,500 to £65,500 + up to 6% bonus + company car. Up to 10-15% additional earnings through overtime and standby. Chelmsford (South East of England) Field‑based across the South East of England, with Chelmsford as the central compressor station. You’ll travel to multiple sites across the area (we call this the E5 zone) 5 days a week, so you’ll need to be based locally and comfortable with regular travel. Some travel to our regional hub in Peterborough will also be required.
About us: National Gas is securing Britain’s energy. We transport gas throughout Great Britain, repair and maintain gas pipelines, and manage the meters that allow millions of homes and businesses to access the energy they need. We are the national gas network, providing secure energy to power Britain, achieve net zero, and maintain our industrial competitiveness.
About the role: You’ll be the mechanical technical authority across the area – leading safe operations, managing risk and ensuring critical assets perform at their best. You’ll act as the Authorising Engineer, taking ownership of the permit‑to‑work system and setting the standard for control of work across the area, providing expert oversight across all operational activities. You’ll also take ownership of the area’s key compressor assets – ensuring strategic rotating plant is maintained, reliable and available to support network demand. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll work closely with technicians and operatives to resolve defects, reduce operational risk and keep site performance at its highest standard – all while ensuring full compliance with safety and engineering requirements.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead as the technical escalation point for all mechanical engineering matters
- Manage and issue permits to work across routine, non‑routine and multi‑discipline activities
- Support and coach technicians and operatives to deliver work safely and effectively
- Assess competency and carry out workplace evaluations to maintain high standards
- Use asset performance data to prioritise maintenance and interventions
- Drive resolution of defects, focusing on highest‑risk issues first
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and engineering standards at all times
- Provide technical input into design reviews, focusing on safety, practicality and whole‑life cost
- Support delivery of capital projects, ensuring safe, practical integration into live operations
- Work closely with project teams to support smooth handover of new and modified assets
- Act as Management of Change process owner, ensuring changes are risk assessed and implemented safely
- Take ownership of critical compressor assets, driving reliability, availability, and performance of strategic rotating plant to support network capacity and resilience
- Act as incident controller when required and take part in a 24/7 standby rota
About you: You’ll be someone others turn to for technical direction, and you’re confident making decisions, leading from the front and getting into the detail when needed. Visible, felt leadership is key – you set clear expectations, delegate effectively and take an active role in developing the capability of the team. You take pride in doing things the right way – putting safety first, building strong working relationships and continuously looking for ways to improve. You’re just as comfortable on the ground with the team as you are stepping back to prioritise risk and performance.
Mechanical Operations Engineer in Essex employer: National Gas
At National Gas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and innovation are at the forefront. As a Mechanical Operations Engineer based in Chelmsford, you'll benefit from competitive remuneration, including a generous bonus structure and opportunities for overtime, all while working within a supportive culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. Join us in securing Britain's energy future, where your expertise will directly contribute to our mission of achieving net zero and maintaining industrial competitiveness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Operations Engineer in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to mechanical operations. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific projects or challenges you've tackled in previous roles. This will help them see how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at National Gas. Let’s secure Britain’s energy together!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Operations Engineer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Operations Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially around mechanical engineering and leadership. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your hands-on leadership style and commitment to safety, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or resolved complex issues in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Gas
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on mechanical engineering principles and the specific technologies used in gas operations. Familiarise yourself with the company's key assets and recent projects, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and ensuring safety compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully resolved conflicts or improved team performance in past roles.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Dive deep into the job description and understand the key responsibilities, such as managing permits to work and acting as the technical escalation point. Think about how your previous experiences align with these tasks and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the challenges they face in maintaining compressor assets or how they prioritise safety in their operations. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their success.
