Plant and Mechanical Engineer

Go Construct; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction employer is looking for a plant and mechanical engineer to design, implement, and maintain plant machinery. This role involves troubleshooting equipment, managing projects, and improving production processes. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and skills in engineering and maintenance. Salary ranges from £29,000 to £53,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
• Experience working as a mechanical engineer is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement equipment modifications to improve safety and reliability.
• Investigate and test ideas to improve existing systems or overcome machinery problems.
• Carry out maintenance and identify/repair faults in equipment.
• Manage projects and plan/design new production processes.

Skills

Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools

Knowledge of engineering science and technology

Maths knowledge

Design skills and knowledge

Ability to work well with your hands

Excellent attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment

Education

Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant Operations or Machinery Maintenance

Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Plant Maintenance

Modern apprenticeship SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Civil Engineering (Plant Maintenance)

Level 1, 2 & 3 in Construction Plant Maintenance

Level 2 & 3 apprenticeship in plant maintenance

Job description

What does a plant and mechanical engineer do?

As a plant and mechanical engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, repairing and the general upkeep of plant machinery. This may involve investigating problems and coming up with solutions.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing equipment modifications to help improve safety and reliability
• Investigating and testing ideas to improve existing systems or to overcome machinery problems
• Making parts and installing and testing machinery
• Carrying out maintenance and identifying and repairing faults in equipment
• Solving complex problems with manufacturing departments, sub‑contractors, suppliers and customers
• Managing projects
• Planning and designing new production processes
• Working with other professionals, within and outside the engineering sector
• Monitoring and commissioning plant and systems

How to become a plant and mechanical engineer

There are several routes to becoming a plant and mechanical engineer. You could do a university degree, a college course, an apprenticeship or through on‑the‑job training. You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You could study for a foundation degree or higher national diploma in mechanical engineering.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

College / training provider

To become a plant and mechanical engineer you could start by taking a course that will give you some of the skills needed for a trainee job after you finish.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry. You could complete an advanced apprenticeship in mechanical manufacturing engineering or engineering maintenance to become a plant and mechanical engineer. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on‑the‑job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience working as a mechanical engineer, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a plant and mechanical engineer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced plant and mechanical engineer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a plant and mechanical engineer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

• Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• Knowledge of engineering science and technology
• Maths knowledge
• Design skills and knowledge
• Ability to work well with your hands
• Excellent attention to detail
• Problem‑solving skills
• Practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment

Qualifications

• Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant Operations or Machinery Maintenance
• Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship
• SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Plant Maintenance
• Modern apprenticeship SCQF Level 5 & 6 in Civil Engineering (Plant Maintenance)
• Level 1, 2 & 3 in Construction Plant Maintenance
• Level 2 & 3 apprenticeship in plant maintenance

Salary

The expected salary for a plant and mechanical engineer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained plant and mechanical engineers can start at £29,000
• Trained with experience plant and mechanical engineers can earn up to £53,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

• Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources