Mechanical Handling Engineer

Copello; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Copello is seeking a Mechanical Handling Engineer for Plymouth to support mechanical handling assets, cranes, and lifting systems across a regulated site. You will work with the Mechanical Handling and Building Services teams, providing technical support to ensure safety, regulatory compliance and successful project delivery.

The role involves collaboration with the Mechanical Engineering Lead, developing modifications, and delivering design substantiation and documentation throughout the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Experience in regulated industries such as nuclear/defence/maritime/infrastructure/oil and gas.
• Knowledge of cranes, lifting equipment, and mechanical handling systems; safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Mechanical Engineering Lead and customer in understanding project requirements and provide mechanical engineering expertise.
• Review maintenance strategies and activities; specify replacement equipment and components; support configuration documentation for permanent modifications.
• Scope, develop, and design modifications to existing assets or new mechanical handling facilities considering operational requirements and system constraints.
• Support the full engineering lifecycle of mechanical projects from concept to design, implementation, commissioning and maintenance.
• Maintain engineering drawings and technical documentation; review and approve documents for customer submission for safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEA analysis

Engineering documentation

Cranes & lifting

Regulatory compliance

Drawings interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEA software

CAD tools

Job description

Mechanical Handling Engineer

Outside IR35 – 12 months – Plymouth (3 days p/week on site)

Job Description

The Mechanical Handling Engineer will work collaboratively with the customer as part of the Mechanical Handling and Building Services teams, providing technical support for both nuclear and non-nuclear mechanical handling assets and facilities across the site. This includes, but is not limited to, cranes, lifting equipment, and maintenance facilities.

The role involves supporting the Mechanical Engineering Lead in the delivery of key engineering projects, providing flexible technical support for the operation and maintenance of existing mechanical handling assets, and ensuring that mechanical aspects of facility modifications, redesigns, and new infrastructure are developed and delivered in line with operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Mechanical Engineering Lead and customer in understanding project requirements and providing mechanical engineering expertise.
• Review maintenance strategies and activities, specifying replacement equipment and components where required, and support the production of configuration documentation for permanent modifications.
• Scope, develop, and design modifications to existing assets or new mechanical handling facilities, taking account of operational requirements and system constraints.
• Support the full engineering lifecycle of mechanical projects, from concept and design through implementation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.
• Maintain the configuration of engineering drawings and technical documentation, reviewing and approving documentation prior to customer submission to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to deliver mechanical engineering support across infrastructure projects.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, testing, and acceptance activities where required.
• Provide technical input into project documentation, design substantiation, risk assessments, and progress reporting.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Relevant mechanical engineering experience within a highly regulated industry such as nuclear, defence, maritime, infrastructure, or oil and gas.
• Knowledge of cranes, lifting equipment, and mechanical handling systems, including associated safety requirements.
• Proficiency in interpreting and producing mechanical engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience performing engineering calculations and design substantiation, including the use of hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Experience delivering mechanical engineering designs and producing supporting evidence for the substantiation of systems and components.
• Ability to work effectively in evolving or ambiguous environments while maintaining a customer‑focused and flexible approach.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Understanding of the nuclear industry or other safety‑critical environments.
• Experience supporting assets throughout their lifecycle within dockyard, marine, defence, or Ministry of Defence (MoD) environments.
• Experience with cranes, lifting equipment, and crane operations, particularly safety‑critical and safety‑related systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems typically associated with cranes and lifting equipment.
• Understanding of mechanical building services, including HVAC, compressed air, water services, and thermal/fluid systems.