Mechanical Engineer

Robert Hurst Group Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility firm in the United Kingdom seeks a Mechanical Engineer to ensure operational reliability through effective maintenance strategies. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, experience in water industry maintenance, and knowledge of mechanical systems. Responsibilities include scheduled preventative maintenance and responsive actions to mechanical failures across multiple sites. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in water industry maintenance (clean water or wastewater).
• Strong knowledge of pumps, motors, gearboxes, valves, and hydraulic systems.
• Good understanding of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement PPM schedules for mechanical systems.
• Respond promptly to mechanical failures or breakdowns across sites.
• Assist in training and supervising junior technicians.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Preventative maintenance

Reactive maintenance

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS tools

Job description

Overview

Job Purpose: To ensure the continuous operation and reliability of mechanical assets and systems within water utility projects through effective planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and timely reactive maintenance. The role focuses on optimizing equipment performance, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)
  • Develop, implement, and carry out PPM schedules for mechanical systems (e.g., pumps, valves, pipelines, compressors, actuators, and treatment equipment).
  • Conduct routine inspections, servicing, and calibration of mechanical assets.
  • Maintain records of maintenance activities in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
  • Work with the asset management team to improve asset life-cycle performance and minimize failure rates.
• Reactive Maintenance
  • Respond promptly to mechanical failures or breakdowns across water treatment and distribution sites.
  • Diagnose mechanical faults, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
  • Ensure minimum disruption to service during repair operations.
  • Escalate major issues to senior engineers or project managers as required.
• General Duties
  • Support installation and commissioning of new mechanical equipment.
  • Liaise with electrical and instrumentation engineers to ensure integrated maintenance operations.
  • Ensure all work complies with HSE regulations and company safety policies.
  • Provide input into risk assessments and method statements.
  • Assist in training and supervising junior technicians or apprentices.

Skills & Qualifications

• Essential
  • Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Experience in water industry maintenance (clean water or wastewater).
  • Strong knowledge of pumps, motors, gearboxes, valves, and hydraulic systems.
  • Experience in both planned and reactive maintenance operations.
  • Good understanding of CMMS tools.
  • Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations (e.g., LOLER, PUWER, COSHH).
• Desirable
  • Confined space training.
  • Water Hygiene (EUSR) card.
  • IOSH or NEBOSH certification.
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems.

Key Attributes

• Problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure in a reactive environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexible approach to working hours and on-call duties.

Work Environment

Field-based work across multiple sites (e.g., treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs).

May involve working in confined spaces or at height.

Required to be part of a rotating on-call schedule for emergency maintenance.