Mechanical Craft

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory Limited; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory Limited is seeking a Mechanical Craft professional to join the Preston Laboratory engineering team. The role focuses on safe, quality maintenance and project support, delivering work to meet regulatory and licence requirements.

The position is 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work depending on customer demands. An enhanced allowance up to £7,000 p.a.

Qualifications

• Time served apprenticeship or equivalent in a Mechanical Engineering discipline.
• Experience working to a safe system of work.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• Capable of working within a team to achieve targets.
• Commitment to high workmanship and quality standards.
• Ability to obtain SC clearance and meet residency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance, inspection and testing on plant and equipment.
• Carry out breakdown and recovery maintenance as required.
• Support project and improvement work and facility installations.
• Follow, complete and update maintenance instructions and records.
• Provide feedback on maintenance tasks via CMMS.

Skills

Safety consciousness

Team collaboration

Reading drawings

Education

Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

UKNNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) which aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

Salary: Salary range £40,991 - £43,108 plus allowances

Closing Date: 2026-11-11

Location: Preston, Lancashire

The salary range for this position is £40,991 to £43,108 (Grade 5A).

Please be aware that all new appointments will be made in-line with the PLC 'New' terms & conditions. Therefore, if you are not already on PLC 'New' terms & conditions and you are selected and accept this role, there will be changes made to your contractual terms. The terms and conditions of the role will be made clear in the offer letter.

Job Description for Mechanical Craft:

UKNNL is where your solutions solve real-world problems. As part of our Engineering team, you'll not only be able to get involved with a huge variety of projects, you'll also have lots of opportunity to drive them through from start to finish - allowing you to see the impact your work has in a real-world environment. This is your chance to use your experience, expertise and ingenuity to collaborate with leading scientists. You'll be part of a team that delivers work to benefit society by advancing cleaner energy, protecting the environment and keeping everyone safe.

The Mechanical Craft is responsible for carrying out safe, quality, and efficient maintenance/ breakdown and project activities within Preston Laboratory. They shall ensure all activities are being undertaken in a safe and complaint manner, to meet all requirements of the Nuclear Site Licence (as applicable) and all Regulatory and Legislative purposes.

The role is 39 hours Monday to Friday, based at UKNNL Preston Laboratory. Occasional weekend working is available dependent on customer work demands.

In addition to the advertised salary, this role attracts annual allowances of up to £7,000 per annum, paid monthly, these are subject to satisfying qualifications/experience criteria and working in active areas. More information will be provided during the recruitment process, to candidates who are selected for interview.

Main Responsibilities for Mechanical Craft:

• Perform routine examination / inspection / maintenance and testing on plant and equipment.
• Perform breakdown and recovery maintenance on plant and equipment.
• Provide support to project and improvement work.
• Provide support to the facility in the installation, modification and commissioning of plant equipment.
• To follow, complete and update maintenance instructions.
• Provide detailed feedback on maintenance tasks via CMMS.
  

Essential Criteria for Mechanical Craft:

• Time served recognised apprenticeship in a Mechanical Engineering discipline.
• Experience working to a safe system of work.
• The ability to work to engineering drawings.
• Working with the team to ensure targets are met.
• Maintain to the highest level, workmanship standards and quality.
• Maintain a good housekeeping policy.
• Ability to obtain SC level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment, financial and criminal record checks plus 5 years’ worth of UK residency).
• British citizen as defined in the British Nationality Act 1981 ( British Nationality Act 1981 (legislation.gov.uk )). Please note if you hold a dual nationality, of which one nationality is British, you may still be considered but this is dependent on your dual nationality.

Desirable Criteria for Mechanical Craft:

• Working in a DSEAR environment experience.
• MEWP operator.
• LOLER experience.
• Formal further education certificate to HNC or equivalent certificate.