Senior Mechanical Engineer in Pontefract

Questech are recruiting on behalf of our client in Leeds for an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer.

The Person:

• HNC/HND qualified in an appropriate engineering discipline.
• Significant experience in mechanical within a manufacturing or process environment.
• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Professionally registered (e.g. IEng or CEng), or working towards registration.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical systems, including hydraulics, pneumatics, materials handling and associated plant equipment, sufficient to support complex fault-finding and cross-discipline collaboration.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex mechanical faults and implement effective, long-term solutions.
• Experience of applying lean manufacturing principles and data-led improvement techniques in a manufacturing environment; Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt training or equivalent experience.
• First-line management or leadership training (e.g. ILM / CMI Level 3), or willingness to work towards.

The Role:

• The Senior Mechanical Engineer plays a key role in ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of site mechanical systems and assets.
• Working as part of the maintenance team, you will provide daily engineering support to ensure production requirements are consistently met, with a clear focus on minimising downtime and maximising plant efficiency.
• The role provides senior technical leadership across both day and shift operations, acting as the mechanical subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex or recurring issues.
• This position represents a clear progression from a Mechanical Engineer role, with increased responsibility for technical governance, mentoring, structured problem-solving and cross-functional working.
• Act as the senior mechanical authority across the site, providing second-line technical support for complex faults, recurring issues and system improvements, and ensuring plant safety, reliability and compliance at all times.
• Take ownership of the technical integrity of mechanical systems and assets, including pressure systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, materials handling equipment and associated plant, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, site standards and recognised maintenance methods.
• Lead the technical review and approval of mechanical changes, contractor equipment and modifications, ensuring designs, installations and changes meet required standards and operational needs.
• Drive the improvement and development of plant safety, reliability and performance through sound mechanical engineering practice, structured change management and continuous improvement.
• Ensure engineering documentation, asset data, written schemes, inspection records, spare parts information and planned maintenance strategies are accurate, current and consistently applied.
• Lead and support mechanical engineering projects from scope definition through to implementation, ensuring delivery is safe, on time, within budget and minimises disruption to production.
• Actively contribute to improving plant performance by analysing trends, leading root cause investigations and ensuring mechanical failures are investigated, reported and resolved in a timely and sustainable manner.
• Provide technical oversight of contractors, ensuring appropriate inductions, RAMS and permit-to-work processes are followed and that all work meets site, statutory and quality standards.
• Support the development of engineering capability by mentoring Mechanical Engineers and Technicians, sharing knowledge and promoting consistent, high-quality engineering practices.
• Work collaboratively with Production, Engineering and other functions to achieve shared operational and business goals, maintaining effective interfaces and contributing positively to cross-functional relationships.
• Attend and contribute to meetings and improvement forums, offering a senior engineering perspective, constructive challenge and practical recommendations.
• Support the Engineering Manager as required and deputise for the Maintenance Manager in their absence, within an agreed scope, ensuring continuity of engineering support, standards and decision-making.
• Provide informal leadership and technical cover across day and shift operations as required, supporting operational continuity and effective team working.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, professionalism and safety, contributing to a clean, organised and well-run engineering environment.

This role is working a Monday to Friday, Days 08:00am - 16:00pm.

The salary is £55,000pa - £60,000pa. Excellent benefits package included.

For more information regarding this position contact: Laura Riding Questech Recruitment Ltd.