Mechanical Fitter

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

Job summary

Nicholas Associates in Southampton is seeking a skilled Mechanical Fitter with a strong hydraulics background to maintain heavy mobile plant and equipment used in the metal recycling sector.

You will diagnose faults, perform repairs, and service engines, ensuring reliability and compliance with safety standards. The role involves reading drawings, using CMMS for records, and working Monday to Friday with early start.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in hydraulic and mechanical maintenance of heavy plant machinery.
• Able to strip down and rebuild hydraulic and mechanical components on large machines.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic systems and component-level fault diagnosis.
• Skilled in lifting, slinging, and safe handling of heavy parts.
• Ability to read technical drawings and hydraulic circuit diagrams.
• Experience with diesel engine maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hydraulic and mechanical breakdowns to minimise downtime.
• Perform proactive and reactive maintenance on hydraulic systems and plant machinery.
• Strip down, inspect, repair, and rebuild hydraulic and mechanical components.
• Maintain and service diesel engines and related systems.
• Interpret technical drawings and hydraulic schematics for repairs.
• Keep maintenance records using CMMS.
• Ensure machinery complies with safety standards and company policies.
• Provide clear reports to line managers on maintenance activities.
• Contribute to improvements in plant reliability and efficiency.

Skills

Hydraulic systems

Heavy plant machinery maintenance

Diagnostic trouble-shooting

Reading hydraulic circuit diagrams

Diesel engine maintenance

Safe lifting and handling

CMMS documentation

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