Vehicle Mechanic

Ministry of Defence - ZigZag Careers Pathway; Merthyr Tydfil; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A government defence initiative is seeking an experienced Vehicle Mechanic/Inspector to conduct inspections on AJAX vehicles. Responsibilities include providing engineering advice, performing vehicle inspections, and managing maintenance of support equipment. Applicants need at least three years of experience and NVQ Level 3 qualifications. The role offers a salary of £34,848 to £38,211 per year, along with benefits like a pension scheme and annual leave. Security clearance is required for this position.

Benefits

Pension scheme

30 days annual leave

8 UK bank holidays

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience as a MOT tester or vehicle inspector, ideally with HGV or Armoured Vehicle Experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vehicle inspections in line with MOD policy.
• Provide engineering advice on AJAX automotive systems.
• Control and maintain the ATT Support & Test Equipment.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to analyse engineering process outputs

Professionalism

Education

NVQ L3 (Advanced) apprenticeship

IMechE or other professional institution membership - Eng Tech Accreditation

Job description

AJAX Acceptance and Testing Team (ATT) Vehicle Mechanic (Vehicle Inspector)

Contract: 37.5hrs, 36 months, Full Mobility

Security clearance: SC

Closing date: 11/02/26, 23:55

All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.

Overview

The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.

This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway pilot offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.

Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.

Within Defence, the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) provides engineering support to maintain and repair the vast array of British Army equipment. They will be found wherever the Army is operating, at home or overseas. The technical training the soldiers’ receive gives them the confidence to tackle any engineering problem. They are professional, resourceful and resilient, and strive to keep fit equipment in the hands of the user; to keep the punch in the Army’s fist! More information on the REME can be an be found here.

The Role

Experienced Vehicle Mechanic / Vehicle Inspector conducting acceptance and vehicle inspection activity on AJAX vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible to Officer Commanding ATT for engineering advice on all AJAX automotive systems.
• Conduct vehicle inspections in line with MOD policy and support the SNCO VM in the automotive Mandatory Equipment Inspection (MEI) ATT acceptance process.
• Support the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) VM with regular continuous improvement activities in relation to the automotive MEI ATT acceptance processes.
• Provide written technical feedback on the automotive MEI ATT acceptance process.
• Control and maintenance of the ATT Support & Test Equipment (S&TE).
• Update JAMES MIS and Windchill to reflect all work carried out.

About You

Relevant experience: 3 years as a MOT tester / vehicle inspector, ideally including HGV or Armoured Vehicle Experience.

Key Skills

• Communication skills – both written and verbal, attention to detail, ability to analyse engineering process outputs, professionalism.

Qualifications

• NVQ L3 (Advanced) apprenticeship, any qualification on the list found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mot-tester-eligibility-acceptable-qualifications/mot-tester-eligibility-acceptable-qualifications
• Professional memberships or accreditations: IMechE or other professional institution membership - Eng Tech Accreditation

Other Requirements

• Security Clearance

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £34,848‑£38,211 per year with an additional supplement on completion of Vehicle Inspector Training.
• Pension: Automatic enrolment in the non‑contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (opt out available)
• Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.

Application Process

• Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.
• Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).
• Medical Assessment: all candidates must pass a medical screening.
• Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: People‑Tx‑[e-mail]