Mechanical Engineer

Role Purpose

The Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in supporting the design, build, and operational phases of the company’s plastics recycling plant. Responsible for plant reliability, the role will focus on minimising machine downtime, planning and executing preventative maintenance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. This position ensures that the plant operates efficiently and reliably on a 24/7 basis, enabling the business to meet its production and sustainability goals.

Key Duties 

Build and Commissioning Phase:

• Support the design, commissioning, and build phases of the recycling facility, contributing to mechanical systems design and installation.
• Specify and influence plant layout and equipment selection.
• Participate in HAZOPs and operational readiness plans
• Work closely with electrical, process, C&I and operations teams to integrate mechanical systems within the overall plant performance.
• Assist in the purchasing, installation, testing, and commissioning of mechanical equipment.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of mechanical subcontractors, ensuring safe systems of work and high-quality delivery
• Work closely with the Production and Quality Managers to develop mechanical operational procedures for the plant and wider facility
• Support the team during the completion of performance guarantee trials with the new facility
• Assist with factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT). 

  Operational Phase:

• Develop and oversee preventative maintenance schedules for all mechanical plant and equipment.
• Monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot mechanical issues to minimise downtime and maximise plant availability.
• Plan and manage maintenance activities, including scheduled servicing and unplanned repairs.
• Recommend and implement upgrades or modifications to improve reliability, efficiency, and safety.
• Monitor, test, and commission mechanical plant and equipment to support the transition from build to operational phases.
• Develop and maintain mechanical safety procedures, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and standards
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and modify mechanical plant and equipment to optimise performance and reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis for mechanical failures, implementing corrective and preventative measures.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely support and supply of parts and spares.
• Prepare technical documentation including drawings, schematics, reports, and maintenance records.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Implement and lead (technical) continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Lead or contribute to CAPEX projects related to electrical improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Other ad-hoc duties as required by the business.

Key Accountabilities

Build and Commissioning Phase:

• Delivery of safe and compliant mechanical plant and equipment from design through to commissioning.

• Specification of appropriate and suitable mechanical plant and equipment.
• Effective supervision and management of mechanical contractors and suppliers.
• Formation of a robust suite of mechanical operating procedures for the new facility.

Operational Phase:

• Ensure zero incidents against all health, safety, environment and operational standards.
• Implementation of mechanical KPIs that drive business performance.

• Ensure mechanical systems and machinery achieve maximum uptime and reliability.
• Develop and implement robust preventative maintenance schedules.
• Rapid respond to and resolution of mechanical issues to maintain 24/7 operations.

• Provision of accurate and timely documentation and reporting.
• Effective implementation of plant and machinery improvements.

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline)
• Professional Member of the IMechE or similar
• Experience in process engineering, ideally in plastics, polymer manufacturing, or recycling
• Experience supporting new facility build, commissioning, or start-up projects (particularly overseas)
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar CI certification
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 standards

Key Competencies 

• HSEQ awareness and understanding
• Technical understanding of plastic recycling processes

• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and plant maintenance practices.
• Experience in maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution.

• Interpretation of technical drawings
• Analytical problem solving
• Project and time management
• Collaboration and Communication
• Supervision of contractors