Lead Engineer - Multi-Skilled

JR United Kingdom; Widnes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a fast-paced food manufacturing business where your skills in maintenance and fault finding will be crucial. You'll be responsible for ensuring production efficiency and quality, leading projects for machine installations and process improvements. This hands-on role offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Benefits

Opportunities for process improvement

Close-knit team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in electrical and mechanical fault finding.
• Solid knowledge of pneumatic systems.
• Hands-on experience with VFFS machines.

Responsibilities

• Lead fault finding and preventative maintenance.
• Repair and optimise mechanical components.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Electrical fault finding

Mechanical fault finding

Pneumatic systems knowledge

Welding

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Job description

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Join a fast-paced food manufacturing business where no two days are the same — and where your skills will keep production moving, downtime falling, and product quality spot on.

Why This Role Matters:

Food safety isn’t negotiable. Neither is production efficiency. In this role, you’ll be the person our team relies on to make sure both stay at the highest possible level — every shift, every product, every time.

You’ll lead fault finding, carry out preventative maintenance, and get stuck into process improvement projects. From PLCs to pneumatics, from welding to VFFS machines — this is a hands-on role where you’ll keep critical kit running, prevent unplanned downtime, and help drive operational standards forward.

What’s In It For You:

• Work in a business where your ideas and input will shape daily operations.
• Join a close-knit, capable team with a genuine focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Get involved in new machine installations, process upgrades, and factory development projects.
• Fast-paced, hands-on role with visible impact on production efficiency and product safety.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Electrical and mechanical fault finding with a sharp eye for PLC issues.
• Maintaining pneumatic systems, including solenoid valves and air pistons.
• Repairing, replacing, and optimising mechanical components like bearings and gearboxes.
• Carrying out welding and fabrication work to support machine modifications.
• Installing and setting up new machinery, ensuring full integration with production.
• Managing and delivering a robust planned and preventative maintenance schedule.
• Ensuring every job and project meets BRC and SALSA food safety standards.
• Supporting warehouse operations and general maintenance where required.
• Troubleshooting and maintaining Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines.
• Organising and maintaining a structured, effective spare parts inventory.
• Contributing to factory layout improvements, process development, and operational planning.
• Writing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardise best practices.
• Working alongside the Factory Quality Manager to improve quality and reduce defects.

What You’ll Need:

• Proven experience in both electrical and mechanical fault finding.
• Solid knowledge of pneumatic systems and components.
• Experience with bearings, gearboxes, and critical mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in welding and fabrication techniques.
• A track record of installing and commissioning new machinery.
• Good working knowledge of planned, preventative maintenance strategies.
• Previous experience in a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with VFFS machines.
• Strong organisational skills for spare parts management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, continuous improvement mindset.
• Understanding of BRC, SALSA, and food safety standards.
• Confident communicator with the ability to work cross-functionally.

Ready to bring your skills to a food manufacturing business where what you do really matters?