At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical maintenance and support field teams in delivering safe, compliant services.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while working in stunning landscapes.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering qualifications and experience in maintenance and fault-finding.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today. We're looking for a highly skilled Mechanical Specialist to join our Waste Water Services M&E team. This is a pivotal regional role, based from either Devon or Cornwall with travel across the South West, ensuring our mechanical assets are safe, reliable, and performing at their best.
If you're passionate about raising standards, solving complex engineering challenges, and supporting field teams to deliver safe, best-practice maintenance, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What you'll be doing:
- As our Mechanical Specialist, you will be the technical lead for mechanical maintenance across the region.
- Provide specialist support and advice to mechanical field teams and M&E Maintenance Managers.
- Ensure consistent, safe, and compliant delivery of mechanical maintenance activities.
- Support and guide teams on ATEX, DSEAR, permits, safety documentation, and mechanical governance.
- Lead technical investigations, evaluate risks, and advise on best practice and compliance.
- Develop and maintain mechanical safety policies, LOTOTO systems, and operating procedures.
- Represent the function in procurement, design scoping, industry working groups, and engineering forums.
- Lead and deliver the mechanical coordinated and appointed person training.
- Lead introduction of the mechanical safety rules/policy, including continuous review to ensure a practical solution is achieved whilst remaining compliant.
What we're looking for:
- Advanced mechanical maintenance and fault-finding capability.
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering safety, legislation, and best practice.
- Experience working with hydraulics, pneumatics, pumping systems, dosing systems, odour control, and wider water/wastewater process equipment.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with the confidence to challenge and guide others.
- Strong problem-solving ability and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to build effective partnerships.
- Knowledge of the UK water industry (desirable).
Essential:
- Time-served mechanical apprenticeship with relevant formal qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, ONC, BTEC).
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
- Demonstrable field-based mechanical maintenance experience.
- Mechanical AP competencies.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Working toward or holding IEng registration.
- CompEx Ex14 (or willingness to achieve within 12 months).
- IOSH or NEBOSH safety qualifications.
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Share-save scheme.
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes.
- Group discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Financial support services.
- Development and training opportunities... and much more!
Closing Date: 16th April 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Mechanical Specialist employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Mechanical Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to work in some of the UK's most beautiful landscapes while contributing to meaningful environmental initiatives. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our team members to thrive and make a real impact in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at South West Water. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common mechanical engineering questions and the latest trends in water services. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for the role, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at South West Water. Let’s make a splash together!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your mechanical expertise and experience relevant to the role. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at South West Water!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, share specific examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Highlight Your Safety Knowledge:Since safety is a big deal for us, be sure to mention any relevant safety qualifications or experiences you have. This will show us that you understand the importance of compliance and best practices in mechanical maintenance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Mechanical Stuff
Brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to hydraulics, pneumatics, and pumping systems. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your advanced maintenance and fault-finding capabilities.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with ATEX, DSEAR, and other safety regulations relevant to the role. Prepare to explain how you've implemented safety policies in past roles and how you would ensure compliance in this position.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of a few complex engineering challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Be prepared to walk the interviewers through your thought process and the steps you took to achieve a successful outcome.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since excellent communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence and guide others, and be ready to share examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
