At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our engineering team to maintain and repair terminal equipment, ensuring optimal performance.
- Company: Forth Ports, a leading UK port operator committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health support, and gym memberships.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey towards a greener future in a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: ONC or HNC in engineering and strong mechanical fault-finding skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34470 - 42130 £ per year.
Location: Port of Tilbury London Ltd, Leslie Ford House
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. As a multimodal port's owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, 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. You will ensure compliance with safety standards, maintain optimal equipment performance, and maximise plant reliability, with a strong focus on safety, equipment availability and minimising downtime.
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.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise faults in a fast‑paced operational environment.
- 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 including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local 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. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service. We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. 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. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
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.
Desired Criteria
Closing Date: Friday 4th September, 2026
Contract Type: fulltime
Salary: £67,182.00 Yearly
Shift Technician (Mechanical) in Tilbury employer: Port of Tilbury London
Join the LCTE Engineering team at the Port of Tilbury, where we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a defined contribution pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, we offer a rewarding environment for Service Technicians. Our commitment to safety and high-quality workmanship ensures that you will thrive in a collaborative setting while contributing to the reliability of essential terminal operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Technician (Mechanical) in Tilbury
✨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 Port of Tilbury London.
✨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 Port of Tilbury London love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Port of Tilbury London 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Technician (Mechanical) in Tilbury
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 Port of Tilbury London and the Shift Technician (Mechanical) 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 Port of Tilbury London
✨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 Port of Tilbury London.
✨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 Port of Tilbury London.
✨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 Port of Tilbury London, making you a more appealing candidate.
