At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering team in maintaining and optimising production machinery.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing business in Leicester with a focus on development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and skill development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and mentorship from senior engineers.
- Qualifications: Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical principles; eagerness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
Thorn Baker Industrial Recruitment are looking for a Junior Engineer to work for a manufacturing business based in Leicester. This role is a temp to perm position for someone newly qualified or trained who is looking to receive further development to grow a career.
The Job:
- Shift Pattern: Rotating 06:00–14:00 and 14:00–22:00 (weekly rotation)
Reporting in the Engineering Manager, you will support the engineering team in maintaining, improving, and optimising production machinery, including small pneumatic and PLC‑controlled assembly equipment. The Junior Engineer will develop core skills in mechanical, electrical, and automation support, contributing to reduced downtime, improved reliability, and continuous improvement across the site. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone early in their engineering career who is eager to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility under the guidance of senior engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintenance & Breakdown Support
- Assist with diagnosis and repair of mechanical and electrical breakdowns on production equipment under supervision.
- Support first-line fault finding on pneumatic systems, including reading and following pneumatic schematics.
- Perform basic electrical fault-finding (motors, sensors, contactors, safety circuits) and follow schematic drawings where available.
- Carry out first line diagnostics on PLC-controlled equipment (I/O checks, HMI messages); assist senior engineers with deeper fault-finding using manuals and connected laptops.
- Reset machines, clear jams, restore home positions safely, and respond to Yellow Card incidents as required.
- Undertake ad hoc repairs to non-production equipment when requested.
- Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
- Complete routine PM tasks to schedule (mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical checks).
- Inspect actuators, valves, sensors (including fibre optic sensing equipment), belts, bearings, motors, and gearboxes.
- Document findings accurately, escalate issues, and support continuous improvement of PM routines.
- Spares, Parts & Procurement
- Maintain on-site spares by ordering parts used or required, under guidance.
- Obtain prices/quotes and process requisitions through LN to ensure stock levels are appropriate.
- Draw/sketch simple parts needed for replacement, obtain quotes, and process through LN.
- Research replacement parts where equipment is obsolete, obtain quotes, and process through LN.
- Compliance, Statutory Testing & Site Checks
- Follow engineering SOPs, LOTO procedures, safe systems of work, and permit systems.
- Support/complete the following once trained and signed off:
- Weekly fire alarm testing
- Weekly compressor checks
- Monthly emergency lighting "flick" test
- 6‑monthly ladder inspections
- Participate in audits and compliance checks; assist with Risk Assessments as required.
- Documentation & Reporting
- Complete maintenance records and work orders accurately and promptly.
- Provide clear shift handovers and escalate issues appropriately.
- Assist in preparing content for the monthly KPI meeting (e.g., spend, breakdowns, repairs, callouts).
- Support morning production meetings and monthly EHS meetings, carrying out tasks arising from them.
- Projects & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to small engineering projects, upgrades, and utility-saving initiatives (e.g., compressed air, electricity, water).
- Support installation/testing of isolation valves and air-assist blower controls.
- Suggest improvements to machine reliability, changeover efficiency, and operator usability.
- Liaise with contractors when required (under supervision).
The Person:
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical principles.
- Familiarity with pneumatic systems and components, including reading basic pneumatic diagrams.
- Ability to use hand tools safely and confidently.
- Good problem-solving ability and strong willingness to learn.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Able to work independently on defined tasks once trained.
- Desirable
- Experience with automated machinery or assembly equipment (especially pick-and-place pneumatic systems).
- Exposure to PLC-controlled systems and basic PLC fault-finding (I/O and ladder logic) on Mitsubishi, Omron, or Allen‑Bradley.
- Understanding of basic electrical systems (motors, sensors, contactors, safety circuits).
- Knowledge of inverters and servo drives (awareness/assisting senior engineers).
- Previous maintenance/engineering experience in an FMCG, automation, manufacturing, or production environment.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3, BTEC, ONC/HNC, or apprenticeship-trained (or working towards).
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, eager to develop new skills, and open to feedback.
- Calm under pressure with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Safety-conscious and detail-focused.
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to rotating shifts and participation in the callout rota.
Benefits
- Competitive salary including shift allowance - Starting at £14ph but can increase after training sign off up to £20ph
- Callout payment
- Training and development programme
- Pension scheme
Notes on Scope & Level: This description intentionally includes multi-skilled senior role responsibilities such as (mechanical, electrical, pneumatics & PLC exposure) allowing a Junior Engineer to gain experience whilst supporting them safely and building experience over time. Activities that carry higher risk or require deeper experience are positioned as assisted, supervised, or post‑sign‑off tasks to ensure safety and competency development.
Junior Engineer in Rutland employer: Thorn Baker Recruitment
Thorn Baker Industrial Recruitment offers an exceptional opportunity for a Junior Engineer in Leicester, where you will be part of a supportive and dynamic engineering team. With a strong focus on employee development, the company provides comprehensive training programmes and a clear pathway for career growth, ensuring that you can enhance your skills in a hands-on environment. The work culture promotes collaboration and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those eager to learn and contribute meaningfully to the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Engineer in Rutland
✨Get Hands-On with Local Manufacturing Events
Dive right into your local manufacturing scene by attending trade shows and expos. These events are goldmines for meeting industry professionals and getting your name out there. Plus, you might even stumble upon trainee opportunities at booths or networking sessions!
✨Join Manufacturing Associations or Groups
Get involved with organisations like the Institute of Mechanical Engineers or the Manufacturing Technologies Association. They often have events for budding trainees and can help connect us with companies looking for fresh talent, like Thorn Baker Recruitment.
✨Leverage Your Educational Resources
If you’re currently studying, don't forget to tap into your university's career services. They often have direct connections with local manufacturers and might even host career fairs where you can chat with representatives from companies like Thorn Baker Recruitment.
✨Apply through Opportunities Like Ours
Don’t miss the chance to apply directly through our website for that trainee role at Thorn Baker Recruitment. We make it easy for you to stay updated on the latest openings and ensure your application lands right where it needs to be.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Engineer in Rutland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In manufacturing, it's super important to showcase any technical skills you have, like proficiency with machinery or understanding production processes. Make sure to list any relevant coursework, projects, or certifications that demonstrate your hands-on abilities in your CV.
Be Ready to Learn:As a trainee, your eagerness to learn can set you apart. In your cover letter, emphasise your motivation to gain knowledge in the manufacturing field, and don’t forget to mention any previous experiences where you’ve quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new environments.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When crafting your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure to make your application easy to navigate. Employers in manufacturing appreciate directness, so let your experiences and skills shine without any fluff.
Show Team Spirit:Manufacturing is often a team effort, so highlighting your teamwork skills can make a big difference. Include examples from school or previous work where you contributed to a group project or collaborated effectively with others in your CV or cover letter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn Baker Recruitment
✨Know Your Production Processes
Before you head into the interview with Thorn Baker Recruitment, brush up on the key manufacturing processes and methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Trainees are expected to show a basic understanding of how production lines operate, so being able to nod your head and engage in conversation about them will score you major points.
✨Highlight Your Hands-On Experience
As a trainee in manufacturing production, showing that you have some hands-on experience—whether from coursework, projects, or part-time work—can really make you stand out. Bring any relevant examples of how you’ve worked with tools or machinery, or any experience you’ve had with health and safety protocols.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Be ready for potential practical assessments during your interview. Companies like Thorn Baker Recruitment often want to see how you might handle real-world tasks, so you might be asked about handling specific machinery or solving on-the-spot production issues. Practising these scenarios can really help you feel confident.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
In a trainee role, companies know you're not going to know everything, so emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt. Share experiences where you've had to quickly pick up new skills or knowledge. This openness to growth will resonate well with the hiring team at Thorn Baker Recruitment.
