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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Service and maintain plant and mechanical handling equipment in a hands-on role.
- Company: Established engineering firm supporting the defence sector with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced overtime, generous holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Supportive environment with ongoing training and development.
- Why this job: Secure long-term role with real impact and career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering qualification and experience with plant or lifting equipment.
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established engineering and support services business for a Mechanical Service Engineer to join their team based on-site in Larkhill, near Salisbury, supporting a secure, long-term defence sector contract. This is a hands-on role, ideal for a mechanically qualified engineer with experience in plant, mechanical handling equipment, lifting equipment or similar assets. You will help keep operational equipment safe, compliant and ready for use, working across both the service centre and site-based environments while supporting local MoD maintenance teams.
Why Apply?
- Secure, long-term role within the defence sector
- Strong overtime earning potential with enhanced rates
- Work on plant, mechanical handling and operational equipment
- Mix of workshop, site and customer-facing engineering work
- Career progression with funded training and development
- Supportive team environment with strong health and safety standards
The Role
As a Mechanical Service Engineer, you will:
- Service, repair and maintain plant, mechanical handling equipment and associated ancillaries
- Carry out engineering work both at the service centre and on site
- Complete inspection programmes and identify faults, wear, damage or compliance issues
- Ensure equipment remains compliant with LOLER, PUWER and HSE standards
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, asset data and fleet information
- Support stock control of spares, attachments and equipment
- Build effective working relationships with local MoD maintenance staff
- Assist with delivery, collection, exchange and inspection of equipment
- Carry out unscheduled repairs within authorised limits
- Remove unsafe equipment from service where required
- Support out-of-hours work, weekend activity and call-outs when needed
What We’re Looking For
- City & Guilds, NVQ or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering
- Experience working on plant, mechanical handling equipment, lifting equipment, HGV, REME or similar mechanical assets
- Good understanding of Health & Safety, LOLER and PUWER requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Computer literate and comfortable using maintenance systems
- Strong fault-finding and practical problem-solving skills
- Team-focused with a strong customer service approach
- Flexible approach to site work, remote working and out-of-hours support
Desirable: HGV licence
Overtime and Additional Earnings
In addition to the basic salary, overtime is available and paid at enhanced rates:
- Monday 06:00 to Saturday 23:59: Time and a half
- Saturday midnight to Monday 05:59: Double time
- Bank Holidays: Double time, plus normal statutory payment for the day worked
There is also the option to take unpaid time off in lieu of a bank holiday worked at a later date, subject to line manager agreement.
Benefits
- Salary of £32,000 - £36,933
- Enhanced overtime opportunities
- Secure, long-term defence contract environment
- Annual salary reviews
- 24 days holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional days
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions
- Life assurance / death in service support
- Flexible benefits package, including insurance options
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Access to retail, healthcare and lifestyle discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Family-friendly policies
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- Ongoing training and development
- Fully funded leadership programmes
- Access to employee network groups and inclusive support communities
- Supportive Armed Forces Covenant employer environment
Apply Now
If you’re a mechanically skilled engineer looking for a secure, long-term role within the defence sector, with strong overtime potential and genuine career development, apply today.
Mechanical Service Engineer (Plant / Defence) in Andover employer: RecruitMe
Contact Detail:
RecruitMe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Service Engineer (Plant / Defence) in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in defence or plant sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mechanical service engineering. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! Bring examples of past projects or repairs you've done on plant or mechanical handling equipment. This will help you stand out as someone who can hit the ground running in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our supportive team environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Service Engineer (Plant / Defence) in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your mechanical engineering qualifications and relevant experience. We want to see how your skills match up with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your work with plant and mechanical handling equipment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm for the defence sector and a commitment to safety standards.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, highlight specific examples where you've tackled mechanical issues or improved processes. We’re looking for engineers who can think on their feet and solve problems effectively, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RecruitMe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around plant and mechanical handling equipment. Familiarise yourself with LOLER and PUWER regulations, as well as any specific equipment mentioned in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to this position. Highlight any hands-on experience you've had with maintenance, repairs, and compliance checks, especially in a defence or similar environment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle some practical problem-solving scenarios during the interview. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, particularly in fault-finding situations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they ensure health and safety standards are met. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.