Lead Engineer

Altera Recruitment Group; England; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy operator in the UK is looking for an experienced Lead Engineer to manage engineering performance at an Anaerobic Digestion facility. Responsibilities include overseeing maintenance activities, leading a team, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should hold a relevant qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and possess skills in process control systems and maintenance planning. This full-time role offers a salary between £47,000 and £56,000 along with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Supportive operational team

Regular daytime hours

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of process control systems and ability to interpret technical drawings.
• Proven background in maintenance planning and contractor supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all routine and reactive maintenance activities.
• Lead and mentor a team of technicians.
• Manage the site's preventative maintenance strategy.
• Act as the technical authority for plant modifications.
• Maintain compliance with environmental standards.

Skills

Process control systems (SCADA/PLC)

Maintenance planning

Breakdown diagnosis

Contractor supervision

Analytical mindset

Education

Recognised qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Maintenance management systems

General IT tools

Job description

Job Description

Lead Engineer – Anaerobic Digestion

Altera Recruitment Group is representing a leading renewable energy operator seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to take ownership of engineering performance at a high-capacity Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility. This pivotal role oversees plant reliability, statutory compliance, and the optimisation of biogas and energy generation.

Key Responsibilities of a Lead Engineer

• Oversee all routine and reactive maintenance activities across mechanical, electrical, and control systems, ensuring safe and reliable site operations.
• Lead and mentor a team of technicians while coordinating external contractors and specialist service providers.
• Manage the site’s preventative maintenance strategy, driving continuous improvement and minimising plant downtime.
• Act as the technical authority for equipment upgrades, plant modifications, and commissioning of new systems.
• Maintain compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards, including risk assessments, permits to work, and statutory inspections.

Candidate Requirements

• Recognised qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience gained in an industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of process control systems (SCADA/PLC) and the ability to interpret technical drawings.
• Proven background in maintenance planning, breakdown diagnosis, and contractor supervision.
• Competent in the use of maintenance management systems and general IT tools.
• A proactive, analytical, and solution‑focused mindset, with the ability to work independently or as part of a small, dedicated team.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary in the region of circa £47,000–£56,000, dependent on experience.
• Full‑time position based at the site, with a supportive operational team and strong safety culture.
• Regular daytime hours, plus participation in a 1‑in‑4 call‑out rota to support site reliability.
• Professional development opportunities, including training on specialist AD and gas upgrading technology.
• A role with genuine influence, offering long‑term career progression within a growing renewable energy sector.