Senior Machine Setter Engineer – Production & Reliability

Muc-Off Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday, inclusive of UK bank"

Cycle to Work Scheme

Long Service Rewards

Pension contributions

Medicash Programme

Employee Assistance Programme

Excellent staff discount on Muc-Off

Brilliant social events

Dynamic office environment

Job summary

Muc-Off Ltd in Southampton seeks a Senior Engineering Machine Setter to ensure safe, efficient operation of production lines. You will set up, change over, operate and optimise machinery, providing technical support to crew members and setters in a fast‑paced environment.

You will lead by example, diagnose faults, perform maintenance and support continuous improvements to line reliability and product quality across multiple shifts.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Machine Setter or similar role.
• Proven ability to set up, changeover and operate automated machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving machine faults.
• Experience with maintenance, inspections and equipment records.
• Qualification in mechanical/electrical/manufacturing engineering.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure and prepare production and packaging machinery for scheduled manufacturing runs.
• Complete product and format changeovers safely, accurately and within agreed timeframes.
• Install and adjust machine parts, tooling, guides, sensors and operating parameters.
• Verify machine settings and complete start‑up checks before production begins.
• Ensure lines are correctly calibrated to meet product, packaging and quality specifications.
• Monitor machinery and production line performance throughout each manufacturing run.
• Make real‑time mechanical and operational adjustments to maintain output, quality and efficiency.
• Identify production losses, recurring stoppages and areas of poor machine performance.
• Support the achievement of production targets, including output, waste, quality and downtime objectives.
• Ensure machines are operated within approved engineering and manufacturer parameters.
• Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, electrical and control‑related machine faults within the scope of the role.
• Respond quickly to breakdowns and production line issues to minimise disruption.
• Conduct minor repairs, component replacements and machine adjustments.
• Escalate complex engineering faults to the appropriate Line Manager.
• Support root‑cause investigations into recurring breakdowns, defects and equipment failures.
• Assist with machine trials, commissioning activities and the introduction of new equipment.
• Conduct planned autonomous and preventative maintenance activities in accordance with maintenance schedules.
• Complete machine clean‑downs, inspections and lubrication during product changeovers.
• Identify worn, damaged or failing components before they result in equipment failure.
• Ensure maintenance activities and machine interventions are accurately recorded.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance to Machine Setters, Crew Members and temporary team members.
• Train and coach colleagues in machine operation, changeovers, basic fault‑finding and safe working practices.
• Lead by example and promote high standards of safety, quality, housekeeping and operational discipline.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures, setting sheets and training documentation.
• Function as the first point of technical escalation during production shifts where appropriate.
• Identify and implement improvements to machine reliability, changeover times, line efficiency and product quality.
• Support continuous improvement activities using structured problem‑solving techniques.
• Contribute to improvements in overall equipment effectiveness, waste reduction and production output.
• Recommend modifications to equipment, tooling, processes and working methods.
• Participate in production reviews, engineering meetings and improvement projects.
• Ensure products are manufactured in accordance with approved specifications and quality standards.
• Complete in‑process checks and respond promptly to quality concerns or non‑conforming products.
• Work closely with the Health & Safety Manager to investigate defects and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure machine settings, production records and traceability documentation are complete and accurate.
• Follow all applicable company procedures, manufacturing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Ensure correct isolation and lock‑off procedures are followed before machine interventions.
• Use the required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Report hazards, near misses, unsafe conditions and equipment concerns immediately.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe production environment.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are consistently maintained across production areas.

Skills

Machine Setter

Automation experience

Mechanical aptitude

Fault-finding

Maintenance skills

Team leadership

Education

Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing Engineering qualification

Tools

Computerised maintenance systems

Production management systems

Job description

Muc-Off Ltd in Southampton seeks a Senior Engineering Machine Setter to ensure safe, efficient operation of production lines. You will set up, change over, operate and optimise machinery, providing technical support to crew members and setters in a fast‑paced environment.

You will lead by example, diagnose faults, perform maintenance and support continuous improvements to line reliability and product quality across multiple shifts.