At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operation of critical mechanical systems in a unique scientific environment.
- Company: Join UKHSA at Porton Down, a hub for world-leading science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national scientific operations with your engineering expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing mechanical plant and utility systems in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 41983 - 48128 £ per year.
- Mechanical Plant Manager
- Grade: Civil Service Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
- Help Maintain Critical Infrastructure Supporting World-Leading Science
We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Plant Manager to lead the safe, reliable and compliant operation of critical mechanical utility and pressure systems across our unique scientific campus at Porton Down.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you'll act as the technical lead for key utility infrastructure, including steam and pressure systems, ensuring essential engineering services continue to support UKHSA's nationally important scientific and operational activities.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled engineering professional who enjoys combining technical expertise, asset management, project delivery and stakeholder engagement within a highly regulated environment.
What You'll Do
- Provide technical leadership and engineering assurance for critical mechanical and utility systems.
- Lead engineering improvement initiatives and business-critical projects.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, engineering standards and Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR).
- Monitor asset performance, investigate failures and drive continuous improvement.
- Support audits, inspections and engineering governance activities.
- Develop technical documentation, specifications and business cases for infrastructure investment.
- Work closely with engineers, contractors, stakeholders and Competent Persons to maintain safe and reliable operations.
- Deputise for the Engineering Manager when required.
About You
You'll bring experience managing mechanical plant and utility systems within a complex or regulated environment, along with strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Additional Information
This role is based full-time at our Porton Down Scientific Campus and does not offer remote working.
The position requires Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance.
Applicants will normally have lived in the UK for at least the last three years, although exceptions may be considered in certain circumstances.
Essential Criteria
- ONC, HNC, HND, apprenticeship qualification or equivalent engineering qualification, or significant relevant engineering experience.
- Proven experience working with mechanical utility systems, pressure systems, steam boilers, or other critical plant infrastructure.
- Experience operating within a highly regulated engineering environment and ensuring compliance with statutory and safety requirements.
- Experience interpreting, reviewing and producing engineering technical documentation, including specifications, procedures and engineering records.
- Experience managing engineering improvement initiatives or small to medium engineering projects through to completion.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to provide specialist technical advice and influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience investigating equipment failures, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventative actions
Desirable Criteria
- Membership of a recognised professional engineering institution and evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience working within scientific, pharmaceutical, healthcare, research, defence or other highly regulated environments.
- Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), particularly Maximo.
- Experience managing capital projects, engineering upgrades or infrastructure improvement programmes.
- Good understanding of Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) and associated engineering compliance requirements.
- Working knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS) or Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
Why Join Us?
- Competitive Civil Service salary.
- Excellent pension scheme of 28.97%.
- Generous annual leave.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits.
This is an excellent opportunity to apply your specialist mechanical engineering expertise within one of the UK's most important scientific environments.
You'll have the chance to influence critical infrastructure, lead improvement initiatives and contribute directly to the safe and effective operation of facilities that support nationally significant work.
Discover more about our rewards and benefits
Rewards and benefits – UKHSA | Civil Service Careers
This role closes on 21st September 2026 at 23.55pm.
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Mechanical Plant Manager in Salisbury employer: UK Health Security Agency
At UKHSA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation and professional growth. As a Lead Cyber Security Architect, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on public health security while enjoying competitive salaries, including a market pay supplement, and the flexibility of remote work. Our commitment to employee development ensures that you will continuously enhance your skills in a supportive environment dedicated to safeguarding national services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Plant Manager in Salisbury
✨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 UK Health Security Agency.
✨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
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of UK Health Security Agency 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 Plant Manager in Salisbury
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 UK Health Security Agency and the Mechanical Plant Manager 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 UK Health Security Agency
✨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 UK Health Security Agency.
✨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 UK Health Security Agency.
✨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 UK Health Security Agency, making you a more appealing candidate.
