Mechanical engineer

Manpower Group (UK); Abingdon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Group (UK) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join a defence maintenance team in Abingdon. You will maintain military and commercial plant assets, perform planned and reactive maintenance, and ensure safety and reliability of critical equipment.

The role requires strong mechanical and electrical fault-finding, experience with preventative maintenance systems, and an NVQ/City & Guilds or equivalent. HGV Class 2 licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical maintenance capability with fault finding and repair.
• Electrical maintenance knowledge and safe working practices.
• Experience with preventative maintenance systems and records.
• Ability to read schematics, manuals and procedures.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements in maintenance.
• Proficient with hand tools and test equipment.
• Engineering qualification such as NVQ or City & Guilds is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance to maximise equipment availability.
• Diagnose faults and apply corrective actions on mechanical and electrical systems.
• Perform routine inspections, servicing and preventative maintenance.
• Respond to breakdowns promptly with safety-first mindset.
• Complete maintenance documentation and service records accurately.
• Support continuous improvement to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Coordinate with production to plan maintenance with minimal disruption.
• Follow health and safety requirements including safe isolation and permits.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Fault finding

Electrical maintenance

Preventative maintenance

Reading schematics/manuals

Health & safety awareness

Clear communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Flexible hours

Maintenance documentation

Safe isolation & permit-to-work

Education

NVQ / City & Guilds in maintenance or engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Military

Join a forward-thinking engineering environment where reliability, continuous improvement, and safety are at the heart of day-to-day operations. You'll be part of a team that values practical problem-solving, clear communication, and a strong maintenance culture, helping keep critical assets running efficiently and safely.

Working within the Defence Equipment sector proactively maintaining a fleet of military and commercial MHE and Plant vehicles and other associated ancillaries, both within their engineering capabilities.

Job Responsibilities

• Carry out planned and reactive maintenance activities to ensure equipment availability and minimise downtime.
• Diagnose faults efficiently and implement effective corrective actions across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Perform routine inspections, servicing, and preventative maintenance in line with site procedures.
• Respond to breakdowns promptly, prioritising safety and operational impact.
• Complete maintenance documentation accurately, including job reports, checklists, and service records.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability, efficiency, and maintenance practices.
• Work closely with production and engineering teams to plan maintenance activities and reduce disruption.
• Follow all health and safety requirements, including safe isolation and permit-to-work processes where applicable.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong mechanical maintenance capability, including fault finding and repair of industrial plant and equipment.
• Electrical maintenance knowledge, including safe working practices and basic fault diagnosis.
• Experience working with preventative maintenance systems and maintaining accurate maintenance records.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation such as schematics, manuals, and maintenance procedures.
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements relevant to maintenance activities.
• Practical experience using hand tools, test equipment, and standard maintenance techniques.
• Relevant engineering qualification (for example, an NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent) in a maintenance or engineering discipline.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as required to support operational needs.
• HGV Class 2 Licence (essential)

Successful candidates who achieve Sponsored Reservist? Status?(trained as a special member of the UK Ministry of Defence's Army Reserve) will have the opportunity to secure a permanent contract.