At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and manage innovative mechanical and electrical projects for Scotland's canal network.
- Company: Join Scottish Canals, dedicated to preserving heritage and enhancing community spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, health perks, and a solid pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of a unique team with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental sustainability while working on exciting engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering, project management skills, and a passion for teamwork.
Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.
Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.
As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.
About the Role
We are seeking a degree-qualified Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineer with strong expertise in electrical and control systems to join the Engineering team based in Grangemouth or Glasgow . In this role, you will undertake technical design, project management and engineering support across electrical, controls, instrumentation, mechanical and hydraulic disciplines, applying both engineering knowledge and sound operational judgement.
About the Reward
This is a permanent role with a progressive starting salary of £49,588 - £54,187 (Band F), working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 224 hours, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide specialist technical input across electrical systems, controls, PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical systems and hydraulics.
- Scope, specify and deliver M&E projects through tendering processes, framework contractors, and in-house maintenance teams.
- Supervise and deliver work programmes, projects and minor works, including maintenance of Scottish Canals-owned M&E plant and equipment.
- Ensure compliance with statutory inspection requirements, including electrical inspections and certification, lifting equipment regulations, pressure systems, local exhaust ventilation and PAT testing.
- Provide M&E engineering support across the organisation, delivering work on time, within budget, and in line with relevant standards, policies and customer service expectations.
- Carry out inspections, assessments and reporting to evaluate asset condition, prioritise work, and support serviceability and investment decisions.
- Support the planning, repair, maintenance, conservation and protection of M&E assets across the canal network and wider estate.
- Maintain accurate asset information and work completion records within the Asset Management eXpert (AMX) system.
- Develop and maintain systems that support regulatory compliance, internal procedures and performance measures.
- Carry out M&E asset inspections, including serviceability scoring, condition grading and recommendations to support safe, reliable long-term operation.
- Build technical expertise in key M&E systems and technologies, including electrical design, PLC hardware and software, SCADA, telemetry, control systems, instrumentation, hydraulics and mechanical engineering.
- Participate in the stand-by and call-out rota where required.
- Contribute to team leadership activities, including recruitment, development planning, performance reviews, communication and day-to-day people management processes.
- Work closely with the Technical Manager (M&E) and Works Planner(s) to ensure planned works are delivered on time, within budget, and with the right resources in place.
Skills and Experience:
- Degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline.
- Membership of an appropriate professional body, such as the IEE or IET.
- Relevant health and safety qualification, such as NEBOSH, SMSTS or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of NEC contracts.
- Proven team leadership and management experience.
- Proven experience of managing multiple projects within the relevant discipline.
- General awareness of heritage and environmental considerations.
- Proficient in the use of personal computers and business software, including Microsoft Office.
- Proficient in project management.
- Valid driving licence.
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineer in Grangemouth employer: Scottish Canals
Scottish Canals is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its team members, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning environment while making a meaningful impact on Scotland's heritage and community. With a strong focus on employee growth through cross-skill training and a supportive work culture, staff enjoy generous benefits including 32 days of annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a contributory pension scheme. Join us at Dochgarroch on the iconic Caledonian Canal, where your skills as a Multi Skilled Technician will help ensure our canals flourish for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineer in Grangemouth
✨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 Scottish Canals.
✨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 Scottish Canals love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Scottish Canals 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 Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineer in Grangemouth
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 Scottish Canals and the Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineer 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 Scottish Canals
✨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 Scottish Canals.
✨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 Scottish Canals.
✨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 Scottish Canals, making you a more appealing candidate.