Mechanical Fitter

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates Group Limited is seeking a Mechanical Fitter in Southampton with a strong background in hydraulics and heavy plant maintenance. Experience in metal recycling or heavy mobile plant is preferred.

You will diagnose hydraulic and mechanical faults, perform proactive and reactive maintenance on plant equipment, interpret technical drawings, and keep CMMS records to support reliability improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in hydraulic and mechanical maintenance of heavy plant machinery.
• Ability to strip down and rebuild hydraulic and mechanical components on large machines.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and hydraulic circuit diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair hydraulic and mechanical breakdowns on heavy plant equipment.
• Maintain hydraulic systems and plant machinery for peak efficiency.
• Strip down and rebuild hydraulic and mechanical components.
• Service diesel engines and related mechanical systems.
• Interpret technical drawings and hydraulic schematics for repairs.
• Keep maintenance records using CMMS.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Prepare reports to line managers on maintenance activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of plant reliability.

Skills

Hydraulic systems

Mechanical maintenance

Technical drawings

Diesel engines

Heavy lifting

Diagnostics

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Position: Mechanical Fitter

Location: Southampton

Salary: £47-50K DOE

Working Hours: 43.75 hours per week, 07:45 - 17:00, Monday to Friday

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Fitter with a strong background in hydraulics, plant machinery, and mechanical systems. You will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of our heavy mobile plant and equipment, including excavators, wheel loaders, balers, and other machinery essential to the metal recycling industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hydraulic and mechanical breakdowns on heavy plant equipment to minimise downtime.
• Perform proactive and reactive maintenance on hydraulic systems, plant machinery, and mechanical assemblies, ensuring all assets operate at peak efficiency.
• Strip down, inspect, repair, and rebuild hydraulic and mechanical components, including pumps, cylinders, valves, and drive systems.
• Maintain and service diesel engines and associated mechanical systems on plant equipment.
• Interpret and work from technical drawings and hydraulic schematics to carry out repairs and modifications.
• Keep detailed maintenance records for all plant and hydraulic equipment using the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Ensure all machinery complies with company standards and safety regulations.
• Participate in progress meetings and provide clear written and verbal reports to line managers regarding hydraulic and mechanical maintenance activities.
• Support the continuous improvement of plant reliability and efficiency through analytical problem-solving and root cause analysis of mechanical and hydraulic failures.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role, with a focus on hydraulic and mechanical maintenance of heavy plant machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to strip down and rebuild hydraulic and mechanical components on large machines.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, including fault diagnosis at the component level.
• Competence in lifting, slinging, and safe handling of heavy mechanical parts.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and hydraulic circuit diagrams.
• Working knowledge of diesel engine maintenance

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in hydraulic and mechanical systems and diesel engines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent time management, organisation, and flexibility to work outside normal hours when required.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.