Maintenance Engineer

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1. Job Purpose

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for ensuring that all production, packing and site equipment operates safely, efficiently and reliably.

The role will involve carrying out planned preventative maintenance, responding to equipment breakdowns, fault-finding and repairs, and supporting continuous improvement across the potato and onion packing operation.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Production, Quality and Engineering teams to minimise downtime while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, health and safety and product quality.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesMaintenance & Engineering

• Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on production, packing and site equipment.
• Respond quickly and effectively to mechanical and electrical breakdowns.
• Diagnose faults and repair machinery to minimise production downtime.
• Carry out routine inspections of machinery and identify potential failures before they occur.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, breakdown reports and work orders.
• Support the installation, commissioning and modification of new machinery and equipment.
• Carry out maintenance and repairs on conveyors, rollers, gearboxes, motors, pumps, bearings, chains, belts and associated equipment.
• Maintain and troubleshoot packing machinery including bagging, weighing, sealing, grading and sorting equipment.
• Assist with electrical fault-finding and repairs where appropriately trained and authorised.
• Carry out welding, fabrication and general mechanical maintenance where required.
• Maintain pneumatic and hydraulic systems and identify faults.
• Assist with maintenance of compressors, extraction systems, water systems and other site services.
• Ensure critical spare parts are identified and available when required.
• Work with contractors and specialist engineers when external support is needed.

Production Support

• Work closely with production staff to resolve machinery issues quickly and safely.
• Provide technical support during production runs, product changeovers and line start-ups.
• Minimise unplanned downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Identify recurring breakdowns and recommend permanent solutions.
• Assist with machinery set-up and adjustments where required.
• Support engineering improvement projects aimed at improving efficiency, reliability and safety.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Maintain high standards of hygiene when working in production and packing areas.
• Ensure maintenance work does not compromise food safety or product integrity.
• Follow site hygiene procedures, including the correct use of protective clothing and footwear.
• Ensure tools, components, lubricants and other maintenance materials are controlled and suitable for use in a food production environment.
• Clean and tidy the work area following maintenance activities.
• Report any contamination risks, damaged equipment or food-safety concerns immediately.
• Comply with all HACCP, food safety, quality and traceability procedures applicable to the maintenance function.

Health & Safety

• Follow all company health and safety procedures and safe systems of work.
• Carry out maintenance activities using appropriate PPE and safety equipment.
• Follow isolation and lock-out/tag-out procedures before working on machinery.
• Ensure guards, emergency stops and safety devices are correctly fitted and operational.
• Report unsafe equipment, hazards, near misses and accidents promptly.
• Work safely around moving machinery, electrical systems, compressed air, hydraulics and other engineering hazards.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe engineering workshop and maintenance areas.

3. Typical Equipment

The Maintenance Technician may be required to work on a wide range of equipment, including:

• Potato and onion grading and sorting machinery
• Conveyor systems and elevators
• Weighing and dosing systems
• Bagging and packing machines
• Netting and sealing equipment
• Checkweighers and metal detection systems
• Optical/vision sorting equipment
• Labelling and coding equipment
• Palletising equipment
• Motors, gearboxes, chains, belts and bearings
• Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• Pumps and compressors
• Electrical control panels and sensors
• General factory/site services and utilities

4. Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Previous experience in a maintenance/engineering role, preferably within a manufacturing, food production or packing environment.
• Good mechanical fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to diagnose equipment faults and carry out effective repairs.
• Good understanding of preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Ability to work safely and follow company procedures.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy production environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Desirable:

• Recognised engineering/maintenance qualification or apprenticeship.
• Electrical maintenance experience.
• Experience with PLCs, sensors, inverters and automated machinery.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Welding/fabrication skills.
• Experience working with conveyors, weighing and packing machinery.
• Previous experience within the food or agricultural processing industry.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food production hygiene requirements.

5. Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

• Reliable and dependable.
• Practical and hands-on.
• Safety-conscious.
• Proactive in identifying and preventing equipment failures.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Calm and effective when dealing with breakdowns and production pressures.
• Flexible and willing to respond to changing production requirements.
• Organised, with good attention to detail.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of hygiene, quality and workmanship.

6. Working Environment

This is a hands-on engineering role within a busy potato and onion packing facility. The technician will work in and around production areas where there may be:

• Machinery and moving equipment.
• Dust, dirt and agricultural material.
• Noise and vibration.
• Wet or damp conditions in certain areas.
• Cold working environments depending on the facility and storage areas.
• Seasonal increases in production and maintenance requirements.

Appropriate PPE, training and site procedures will be provided in accordance with company requirements.

7. Key Performance Areas

The Maintenance Technician will contribute to:

• Minimising machinery downtime.
• Completing planned maintenance on schedule.
• Improving machinery reliability and availability.
• Ensuring prompt response to breakdowns.
• Maintaining high engineering and housekeeping standards.
• Supporting food safety and product quality.
• Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

8. Working Hours & Flexibility

The role may involve shift work, weekends, overtime and seasonal working patterns, depending on production requirements.

During peak potato and onion seasons, additional flexibility may be required to support production and maintenance demands.

9. Overall Responsibility

The Maintenance Technician plays a key role in keeping the packing facility operating safely and efficiently. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of maintenance issues, work proactively to prevent breakdowns and support the wider production team in achieving operational, quality and safety targets.

This job specification is intended as a guide to the main duties and responsibilities of the role. The role holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the position.

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person