At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair a diverse fleet of military and commercial vehicles.
- Company: Join a leading provider supporting the UK’s Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced overtime, generous holiday, and career progression.
- Other info: Gain valuable MOD experience and opportunities for permanent employment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 engineering qualification and strong mechanical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 43225 - 52831 £ per year.
Multiple UK locations | £37,791 + enhanced overtime + £3,000 Sponsored Reserve payment + exceptional range of benefits
Work on the machines that keep UK Defence moving
Are you an experienced HGV Technician, Plant Fitter, Agricultural Engineer, Vehicle Mechanic or military engineer looking for something more secure, varied and meaningful?
Recruit ME is recruiting Maintenance Engineers to support a major UK Defence equipment programme.
You will maintain and repair a fleet of more than
4,000 military and commercial assets used by the British Armed Forces in the UK and around the world.
Forget working on the same vehicle or production line every day.
This role could see you maintaining everything from forklift trucks and telehandlers to excavators, bulldozers, container stackers, lighting towers and 50-tonne cranes.
Your work will directly support the safety, readiness and operational capability of the UK’s Armed Forces.
Locations
We are recruiting across the following Defence sites
- Abingdon
- Stafford
- Ripon
- Woodbridge
- Larkhill
- Chatham
- Chivenor
What’s in it for you?
- Enhanced overtime payments
- Time and a half for qualifying hours
- Double time for designated weekend hours
- Bank holiday working paid at double time, plus normal statutory payment
- £3,000 Sponsored Reserve payment where applicable
- 40-hour working week
- Initial 12-month contract
- Opportunity to secure permanent employment after achieving Sponsored Reservist status
- At least 24 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Generous pension scheme with additional employer contributions
- Fully funded technical, professional and military training
- Funded leadership development programmes
- Flexible benefits and insurance options
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Retail, leisure and healthcare discounts
- Two paid Social Impact Days each year
- Family-friendly employment policies
- Genuine long-term career progression
The role
As a Defence Maintenance Engineer, you will help maximise the safety, reliability and availability of military and commercial plant and materials-handling equipment.
You will
- Service, inspect, maintain and repair diesel and electrically powered equipment
- Work on commercial off-the-shelf and military-modified vehicles
- Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic and electrical faults
- Identify the root cause of equipment breakdowns
- Complete safe, effective and high-quality repairs
- Carry out planned maintenance and equipment inspections
- Check completed work before equipment is returned to service
- Ensure equipment meets operational, safety and compliance standards
- Order replacement parts in a timely and cost-effective way
- Liaise with controllers, customers and technical support teams
- Provide clear updates on repair requirements and timescales
- Complete job cards, service records and technical documentation
- Support military personnel in the safe and effective use of equipment
- Work in accordance with MOD, Army and site safety procedures
- The equipment
The fleet includes more than 4,000 assets supporting military construction, logistics and mechanical-handling operations.
You could work on
- Forklift trucks
- Telehandlers
- Counterbalance trucks
- Container stackers
- Self-loading dump trucks
- Medium wheeled tractors
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Lighting towers
- Concrete mixers
- Diesel and electric plant
- Specialist military-modified equipment
- Associated mechanical-handling ancillaries
The fleet is supported throughout its entire working life, including maintenance, repair, technical documentation, tooling, testing equipment, spare parts and operator training.
Some equipment will also undergo major replacement or service-life extension programmes, providing exposure to modernisation and engineering upgrade work.
What we’re looking for
You must have
- Level 3 apprenticeship, City & Guilds, NVQ or equivalent engineering qualification
- Strong practical knowledge of mechanical systems
- Experience diagnosing and repairing technical faults
- The ability to work independently and manage your workload safely
- Good attention to detail and accurate documentation skills
- Willingness to undertake Sponsored Reserve training where required
Relevant qualifications may include
- Heavy vehicle maintenance
- Automotive engineering
- Vehicle systems maintenance
- Vehicle electrics or electronics
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Plant maintenance
- Hydraulics
- Powertrain systems
- Agricultural engineering
- Mechanical engineering
Your experience could have been gained as a
- HGV Mechanic
- HGV Technician
- Plant Fitter
- Plant Engineer
- Agricultural Engineer
- Heavy Vehicle Technician
- Vehicle Mechanic
- Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
- Forklift Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- REME Engineer
- Military Vehicle Technician
Applications are especially welcomed from former members of REME, the Royal Engineers, RLC, RAF engineering trades and other military engineering backgrounds.
However, previous military experience is not essential. Suitably qualified civilian engineers are actively encouraged to apply.
Supporting the UK’s Armed Forces
Our client provides an integrated service covering the deployment, management and maintenance of critical equipment used by the UK’s Armed Forces during national and international operations.
Its teams maintain high fleet availability, manage spare parts and technical support, deliver operator and maintainer training and ensure equipment can be deployed quickly whenever it is needed.
Data, engineering expertise and modern fleet-management technology are used to improve reliability, reduce costs and ensure the Armed Forces have the right equipment for changing operational demands.
What is a Sponsored Reserve?
Sponsored Reserves are employees who also become special members of the Army Reserve.
Successful candidates who achieve Sponsored Reservist status will have the opportunity to secure a permanent employment contract.
Sponsored Reserves may support Defence activities in the UK or overseas. Military training and operations take place under Army command and control.
Joining as a Sponsored Reserve creates a legal obligation to
- Complete the required military training
- Maintain the necessary level of readiness
- Accept call-out as a member of the Armed Forces when required
- Support UK or overseas operations where necessary
Full training, guidance and support will be provided throughout the process.
Why this role stands out
This is not a standard workshop or maintenance position.
You will gain
- Experience across one of the UK’s most varied specialist equipment fleets
- Exposure to mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and heavy vehicle systems
- Valuable MOD and Defence-sector experience
- Fully funded technical and military training
- A potential route into permanent employment
- Long-term stability on a major Defence programme
- Opportunities to support equipment used in the UK and overseas
- A role where your engineering skills have a clear operational purpose
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Plant & HGV Maintenance Technician - Defence employer: RecruitMe
Join a leading firm in the Fire Protection sector, where your expertise as a Quantity Surveyor will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary package, including a car allowance and bonus potential, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the vibrant East Anglia and Northern Home Counties, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and collaboration while making a meaningful impact in public sector projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant & HGV Maintenance Technician - Defence
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant & HGV Maintenance Technician - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch RecruitMe's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at RecruitMe. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at RecruitMe
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at RecruitMe.
