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Job Specification - Multi-Skilled Engineer

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

EngineeringMaintenanceManufacturingFacilities

🎯 Role Definition

The Multi-Skilled Engineer is a critical hands-on role, acting as the technical cornerstone for maintaining and improving the reliability of our production and facility assets. This individual is a versatile problem-solver, blending strong electrical and mechanical competencies to perform both planned preventative maintenance and reactive breakdown repairs in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role is defined by minimizing equipment downtime, enhancing operational efficiency, and championing a culture of safety and continuous improvement. You are the go-to expert who keeps our operations running smoothly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician (with an electrical or mechanical bias)
  • Electromechanical Technician
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Engineering Apprentice (post-qualification)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Maintenance Engineer / Engineering Team Lead
  • Reliability Engineer
  • Maintenance Manager / Engineering Supervisor
  • Controls & Automation Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Engineer
  • Facilities Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules on a diverse range of production machinery, automation systems, and facility equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize unscheduled downtime.
  • Respond with urgency to equipment breakdowns, applying advanced diagnostic techniques to perform effective root cause analysis (RCA) and implement robust, long-term corrective actions.
  • Diagnose and rectify complex faults on integrated systems, encompassing both electrical (up to 480V, 3-phase), mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components.
  • Interrogate and perform first-line fault-finding on PLC-controlled systems (e.g., Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi), tracing I/O faults and diagnosing logic issues to resolve automation stoppages.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, including electrical schematics, mechanical blueprints, and P&ID diagrams, to guide troubleshooting, repairs, and installations.
  • Carry out the mechanical and electrical installation, commissioning, and modification of new and existing machinery to support production growth and process improvements.
  • Maintain and repair critical pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including troubleshooting circuits, replacing cylinders, servicing valves, and repairing pumps and compressors.
  • Diligently document all maintenance activities, parts used, and repair details within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to ensure accurate asset history and data integrity.
  • Champion a safety-first culture by strictly adhering to all Health & Safety policies, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, and actively contributing to risk assessments.
  • Calibrate and maintain a variety of instrumentation and control devices, such as sensors, probes, and actuators, to ensure process accuracy and quality standards are met.
  • Utilize workshop machinery, including lathes, milling machines, and welding equipment (TIG/MIG), to fabricate or repair components for urgent repair scenarios.
  • Collaborate closely with production and operations teams to understand their challenges, provide timely technical support, and help achieve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) targets.
  • Proactively identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing equipment reliability, reducing maintenance costs, and improving safety.
  • Manage an inventory of critical spare parts, identifying required components, sourcing quotes from suppliers, and ensuring stock levels are maintained to support operational readiness.
  • Conduct statutory and regulatory inspections, such as PAT testing and emergency lighting checks, to ensure the site remains fully compliant.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the engineering and project teams with the installation and commissioning of new capital equipment, working alongside OEM representatives and external contractors.
  • Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to apprentices, junior technicians, and machine operators on basic maintenance and equipment best practices.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and optimization of the site's PPM strategy, using data from the CMMS and your own expertise to refine maintenance schedules.
  • Assist in the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and method statements (RAMS) for non-standard or high-risk maintenance tasks.
  • Liaise with external service providers and contractors to coordinate specialist repairs, oversee their work on-site, and ensure it meets company standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • PLC Fault-Finding: Proven ability to connect to, diagnose, and troubleshoot issues on common PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal/S7, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley RSLogix).
  • Electrical Systems Competency: Expertise in fault-finding on 3-phase motors, inverters/VFDs, servo drives, control panels, and reading complex electrical schematics.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Strong hands-on skills with mechanical drive systems, including gearboxes, bearings, belts, chains, and precision component assembly/alignment.
  • Fluid Power Systems: In-depth knowledge of diagnosing and repairing pneumatic and hydraulic circuits, components, and control systems.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Practical application of structured problem-solving methodologies like 5-Whys or Fishbone diagrams to prevent fault recurrence.
  • CMMS Proficiency: Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo, Fiix) for work order management and data logging.
  • Industrial Robotics: Familiarity with the maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA) is a significant advantage.
  • Welding & Fabrication: Foundational skills in MIG or TIG welding and the use of general workshop equipment for component repair and fabrication.

Soft Skills

  • Tenacious Problem-Solver: A logical, analytical, and persistent approach to resolving complex technical issues, especially under pressure.
  • Clear Communicator: The ability to articulate technical problems and solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
  • Collaborative Team Player: A proactive attitude towards working as part of a cohesive engineering team and supporting colleagues in production and management.
  • High Adaptability: The flexibility to pivot between planned maintenance and urgent, reactive breakdowns while effectively managing competing priorities in a dynamic setting.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Completion of a recognized engineering apprenticeship (e.g., NVQ Level 3) or a formal technical qualification (e.g., HNC, HND, Associate's Degree) in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechatronics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-10 years of hands-on maintenance experience in a high-volume manufacturing, automated distribution, FMCG, or similar industrial environment.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience working with a formal PPM system and a track record of participating in or leading continuous improvement projects related to equipment reliability.

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