Multi Skilled Engineer(S) - Food

Accuri; Harlow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production firm in Harlow is seeking a Food Production Engineer to provide maintenance support and engineering solutions for food production equipment. The role involves troubleshooting, optimizing machine settings, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates should possess a time-served engineering qualification and strong troubleshooting skills in mechanical and electrical systems. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement projects and ensure efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a fast-paced food production environment.
• Time-served engineering qualification (mechanical, electrical, mechatronics).
• Knowledge of Lean tools and continuous improvement methodology.

Responsibilities

• Perform planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on production machinery.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure smooth operation.
• Identify opportunities to enhance reliability and reduce waste.

Skills

Strong troubleshooting skills

Ability to read engineering drawings

Knowledge of PLC-controlled machinery

Experience in FMCG production environment

Education

HNC/HND or degree in Engineering

Time-served engineering qualification

Tools

CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems)

Job description

Role: Food Production Engineer

Reports to: Head of Engineering

To provide technical expertise, maintenance support, and engineering solutions that ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of food production equipment and processes. The Food Production Engineer plays a key role in minimising downtime, improving plant performance, supporting continuous improvement, and maintaining food safety standards.

Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive breakdown repairs on production machinery.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automation issues.
• Support root‑cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Maintain engineering logs, maintenance records, and downtime data.

Production Support

• Work closely with production teams to ensure smooth operation of machinery.
• Provide rapid engineering response to breakdowns to minimise lost time.
• Optimise machine settings to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance reliability, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency.
• Assist in the design, testing, and installation of new equipment or upgrades.
• Contribute to Lean/CI projects (5S, Kaizen, OEE improvement).

Food Safety, Compliance & Hygiene

• Ensure all work complies with food safety and hygiene standards (BRCGS, HACCP, GMP).
• Follow lock‑out/tag‑out (LOTO), permit‑to‑work, and other safety procedures.
• Support engineering compliance for audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements.

Projects & Technical Work

• Assist with engineering projects including equipment commissioning, line modifications, and process enhancements.
• Collaborate with suppliers, contractors, and external engineers.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing and installation checks.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance reports, job cards, and inventory records.
• Report recurrent faults or engineering risks to the Engineering Manager.
• Ensure spare parts availability is monitored and managed.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Time‑served engineering qualification (mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or multi‑skilled).
• Experience working in a fast‑paced food or FMCG production environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of PLC‑controlled machinery and automated systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Desirable

• HNC/HND or degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience in packaging, processing, refrigeration, or utilities (steam, compressed air, effluent).
• Knowledge of Lean tools and continuous improvement methodology.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems).
• 18th Edition electrical qualification (where applicable).