Graduate Mechanical Engineer jobs in United Kingdom

4 day week and no weekend work! We value your work-life balance.

"The Bar is Back" - and we need your mechanical expertise, problem-solving mindset, and drive for innovation to help us scale from 20 million to 70 million bars a year.

At Soapworks, we produce high-quality, sustainable soap products for leading global brands. We're looking for a proactive, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to keep our production lines running at peak performance as we expand operations.

From optimising equipment reliability to enhancing machine efficiency and supporting continuous improvement projects, you ll play a key role in ensuring our factory operates safely, smoothly, and sustainably - enabling us to meet ambitious production targets while upholding the highest quality standards.

At Soapworks, we do more than make soap - we craft a wide range of personal care products, including hair and body cleansers and aromatic oils. As part of our skilled engineering team, you ll help power this growth, contributing your expertise to a passionate and collaborative workforce set on shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.

The Role at a Glance:

Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer
Glasgow / On-site
Up to GBP44,000 per annum + 33 days holiday, rising with service
Plus Excellent Benefits Package Including Pension, Income Protection Benefit, Access to (EAP, GP and Physio Services), Death in Service 3x Annual Salary and More

Full Time - Permanent
Hours of Work (38.5hrs per week):
Week 1 = 5.45am 4pm (Mon-Weds), 5.45am 3.30pm (Thurs)
Week 2 = 7am 5.15pm (Mon-Weds), 7.30am 5.15pm (Thurs)

Reporting to: Engineering Manager

Values: Ethical, Sustainable, Trusted
Company: UKs Largest Bar Soap Manufacturer with a global customer base
Who s products Featured In: British Vogue, GLAMOUR, Elle, GQ, Beauty Bay, Stylist Magazine, HELLO! And More

Your Background / Skills: Experience in soap, personal care, or FMCG production . HNC/HND qualifications. Experienced in GMP-regulated and hygiene-critical environments. Plant Equipment, Site Mechanical Maintenance.

Our Story:

Founded in 1988 by The Body Shop entrepreneur Dame Anita Roddick, Soapworks has always been driven by innovation, exceptional product quality, and a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility. More than 35 years later, we continue to stand at the forefront of the industry, trusted by 50 of the world s top brands as a leading supplier and partner.

In 2018, we joined the Daabon Group, a global leader in sustainable and organic ingredients, further strengthening our commitment to ethical and eco-friendly production.

As passionate advocates for sustainability, we are committed to promoting the environmental benefits of bar soaps. Our dedication has earned us numerous awards and certifications, including the prestigious EcoVadis Gold Award for Sustainability, placing us among the top 5% of companies in our sector. But we re not stopping there - we are actively working towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, ensuring that our impact on the planet is as clean as the products we create.

Beyond business, we believe in making a difference and have a well developed SOAP AID programme where we collaborate with NGOs and Charities to donate life saving soap bars to areas of need or natural disaster across the world demonstrating our commitment to global well-being.

We don t just make soap - we create products that align with a better, more sustainable future.

The Opportunity:

Soapworks is seeking a proactive and driven Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in driving operational excellence and innovation across our manufacturing processes.

In this critical position, you ll be instrumental in maintaining, improving, and optimising our mechanical systems - ensuring maximum equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance in a fast-paced production environment.

With ambitious growth plans, we re looking for someone who shares our passion for engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and cutting-edge manufacturing innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform die changes, tool setups, and machine adjustments to meet production demands.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical faults quickly and safely to minimise downtime.
• Partner with teams to ensure equipment reliability and safety.
• Execute planned maintenance and condition monitoring to drive performance and reduce breakdowns.
• Pursue ongoing self-development to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Lead and contribute to root cause analysis for continuous improvement.
• Ensure exceptional housekeeping and engineering hygiene.
• Champion a safe, healthy work environment by following all H&S procedures.

Education/Qualifications:

• HNC/HND in mechanical engineering required (or equivalent).

Experience/Skills/Knowledge:

• Proven mechanical engineer with hands-on experience in high-speed, high-volume manufacturing - ideally in soap, personal care, or FMCG production.
• Expertise in pneumatics, hydraulics, pumps, and transmission systems.
• Skilled in automated packaging and palletising machinery, including flow wrappers, bundle wrappers, cartoners, and labellers.
• Experienced in GMP-regulated and hygiene-critical environments.
• Proficient in MMA and MIG welding, machining, and turning.
• Familiar with 10ml and 20ml bottle filling lines (a plus).
• Basic understanding of electrical power and control systems.

Aptitudes/Attributes:

• Clear, confident communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Sharp attention to detail and expert fault-finding ability.
• Highly organised with excellent time management.
• Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing operational needs.
• Proven ability to boost equipment performance and efficiency.
• Skilled in CMMS and Microsoft Office tools.
• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused with a strong problem-solving mindset.
• Thrives under pressure with strong resilience and focus.
• A true team player who builds great working relationships.

Other job requirements:

• Clean driving license ideal but not essential

What s on Offer:

• Competitive Market Salary
• 4-weekly pay cycle
• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays rising with service
• Pension
• Death in Service benefit of 3x basic salary
• Income Protection Benefit after 1 year in role
• Access to who provide EAP, GP & Physio services. They also provide information on health, family, money & work, as well as discounts with various retailers.

Sounds like a good fit? Apply here for a fast-track path to our Leadership Team

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