Mechanical Engineer

Morgan Jones Recruitment Consultants; Stone Cross; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer in Sandwich, Kent. You will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance of automated manufacturing lines and managing a small engineering team. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in mechanical engineering, with hands-on maintenance experience and leadership skills. This role offers an excellent opportunity to step into leadership and succeed the current Engineering Manager.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical engineering background with hands-on maintenance experience.
• Skilled in working with conveyor, packing, and filling machinery.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance, PPM, and emergency repairs.
• Leadership skills and ability to manage a small team.
• Flexible to work across shifts when required.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for maintenance of automated lines.
• Manage and lead a small engineering team.
• Procure and maintain spare parts for breakdowns.
• Manufacture spare parts using workshop equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety procedures.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Maintenance experience

Leadership skills

Welding and fabrication

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Location: Sandwich, Kent

Contract: Permanent

Rate: DOE

Hours: Two shifts (5am-3pm / 3pm-1am), primarily early shift with flexibility to cover late shift for sickness and absence

Our Client is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to oversee the maintenance and smooth operation of their automated manufacturing facility. This is a hands‑on leadership role managing a small team and ensuring production runs efficiently and safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for maintenance and running of automated lines.
• Manage and lead a small engineering team.
• Procure and maintain spare parts for breakdowns (gearboxes, relays, heating elements).
• Disinfect and descale lines as required.
• Manufacture spare parts using workshop equipment (e.g., lathe).
• Provide out‑of‑hours telephone support for shift leaders to resolve breakdowns.
• Cover shift leader holidays and sickness when needed.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and food safety procedures.

Requirements

• Strong mechanical engineering background with hands‑on maintenance experience.
• Skilled in working with conveyor, packing, and filling machinery.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance, PPM, and emergency repairs.
• Welding and fabrication experience desirable.
• Leadership skills and ability to manage a small team.
• Flexible to work across shifts when required.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive engineer looking to step into a leadership role and eventually succeed the current Engineering Manager.