Equipment Maintenance Engineer– Fibre Components

Gerrell & Hard Ltd.; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Southampton seeks an Equipment Maintenance Engineer to support fibre processing machines. The role requires 5+ years in a manufacturing support role, strong mechanical and automation knowledge, and skills in troubleshooting and IT literacy. You will maintain equipment, manage spares, and collaborate on new product introductions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing support role.
• Experience maintaining precision mechanical devices and equipment with motor drives.
• Strong IT literacy with proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily maintenance and support for fibre tapering machines.
• Maintain availability and service levels of fibre processing equipment.
• Manage spares for critical machines.
• Support TPM, service, repair, and calibration schedules.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production line issues.
• Collaborate with R&D on new products and processes.
• Log and track issues using JIRA and Confluence.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Automation knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Strong IT literacy

Education

Degree in Engineering or a Science discipline

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Equipment Maintenance Engineer – Fibre Components

Permanent | Southampton | Competitive Salary

Job Purpose

The Operations Engineering Department is responsible for providing day-to-day support to manufacturing lines and cells in Southampton. As an Equipment Maintenance Engineer, you will report to the Engineering Manager and play a key role in supporting the Components production line.

Your primary responsibility will be the support and maintenance of fibre processing machines used in the manufacture of fibre components. These machines include equipment for fibre preparation, cleaving, splicing, tapering, and etching. They require regular checking and optimisation to ensure operators can consistently deliver high-quality products for internal use and external partners.

This role requires strong mechanical and automation knowledge, an understanding of fibre processing, and the ability to work methodically with patience and perseverance. You will also collaborate with R&D teams on process improvements, product enhancements, and new product introductions.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Provide daily maintenance and support for fibre tapering machines.

• Maintain the availability and service levels of a variety of fibre processing equipment in the production line.

• Manage spares for critical machines.

• Support TPM, service, repair, and calibration schedules for equipment and tools.

• Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day production line issues, identifying and implementing root cause corrective actions.

• Collaborate with R&D and project teams to support the introduction of new products, processes, and equipment.

• Log and track issues, activities, and priorities using JIRA and Confluence.

Required Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing support role.

• Experience maintaining precision mechanical devices and equipment with motor drives.

• Strong IT literacy with proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Desirable:

• Experience in fibre components, fibre assemblies, optical devices, or lasers.

• Hands-on use and maintenance of fibre processing equipment (splicers, cleavers, stripping devices).

• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills.

• Knowledge of precision machine controls, automation, electrical diagnostics, or programming.

• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or similar improvement methodologies.

• Familiarity with 5S workplace organisation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a Science discipline, or equivalent technical qualifications with demonstrable experience.

Personal Profile

• Highly motivated, able to manage multiple tasks methodically and efficiently to meet deadlines.

• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.

• Self-driven, capable of working independently and as part of a team.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to integrate into cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams.

• Hands-on, creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to translate engineering requests into practical solutions.

• Strong customer focus and commitment to delivering results.