Multi Skilled Engineer(s) - Food

Role: Food Production Engineer Reports to: Head of Engineering To provide technical expertise, maintenance support, and engineering solutions that ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of food production equipment and processes. The Food Production Engineer plays a key role in minimising downtime, improving plant performance, supporting continuous improvement, and maintaining food safety standards. Equipment Maintenance & Reliability * Perform planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive breakdown repairs on production machinery. * Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automation issues. * Support root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA). * Maintain engineering logs, maintenance records, and downtime data. Production Support * Work closely with production teams to ensure smooth operation of machinery. * Provide rapid engineering response to breakdowns to minimise lost time. * Optimise machine settings to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality. Continuous Improvement * Identify opportunities to enhance reliability, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency. * Assist in the design, testing, and installation of new equipment or upgrades. * Contribute to Lean/CI projects (5S, Kaizen, OEE improvement). Food Safety, Compliance & Hygiene * Ensure all work complies with food safety and hygiene standards (BRCGS, HACCP, GMP). * Follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), permit-to-work, and other safety procedures. * Support engineering compliance for audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements. Projects & Technical Work * Assist with engineering projects including equipment commissioning, line modifications, and process enhancements. * Collaborate with suppliers, contractors, and external engineers. * Participate in factory acceptance testing and installation checks. Documentation & Reporting * Maintain accurate maintenance reports, job cards, and inventory records. * Report recurrent faults or engineering risks to the Engineering Manager. * Ensure spare parts availability is monitored and managed. Qualifications & Experience Essential * Time-served engineering qualification (mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or multi-skilled). * Experience working in a fast-paced food or FMCG production environment. * Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems. * Knowledge of PLC-controlled machinery and automated systems. * Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation. Desirable * HNC/HND or degree in Engineering or related field. * Experience in packaging, processing, refrigeration, or utilities (steam, compressed air, effluent). * Knowledge of Lean tools and continuous improvement methodology. * Experience with CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems). * 18th Edition electrical qualification (where applicable)