Thorn Baker Industrial Recruitment are looking for a Junior Engineer to work for a manufacturing business based in Leicester

This role is a temp to perm position for someone newly qualified or trained who is looking to receive further development to grow a career

The Job:

Shift Pattern: Rotating 06:00–14:00 and 14:00–22:00 (weekly rotation)

Reporting in the Engineering Manager, you will be support the engineering team in maintaining, improving, and optimising production machinery, including small pneumatic and PLC‑controlled assembly equipment. The Junior Engineer will develop core skills in mechanical, electrical, and automation support, contributing to reduced downtime, improved reliability, and continuous improvement across the site.

This is a hands-on role ideal for someone early in their engineering career who is eager to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility under the guidance of senior engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Breakdown Support

• Assist with diagnosis and repair of mechanical and electrical breakdowns on production equipment under supervision.
• Support first-line fault finding on pneumatic systems, including reading and following pneumatic schematics.
• Perform basic electrical fault-finding (motors, sensors, contactors, safety circuits) and follow schematic drawings where available.
• Carry out first line diagnostics on PLC-controlled equipment (I/O checks, HMI messages); assist senior engineers with deeper fault-finding using manuals and connected laptops.
• Reset machines, clear jams, restore home positions safely, and respond to Yellow Card incidents as required.
• Undertake ad hoc repairs to non-production equipment when requested.

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)

• Complete routine PM tasks to schedule (mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical checks).
• Inspect actuators, valves, sensors (including fibre optic sensing equipment), belts, bearings, motors, and gearboxes.
• Document findings accurately, escalate issues, and support continuous improvement of PM routines.

Spares, Parts & Procurement

• Maintain on-site spares by ordering parts used or required, under guidance.
• Obtain prices/quotes and process requisitions through LN to ensure stock levels are appropriate.
• Draw/sketch simple parts needed for replacement, obtain quotes, and process through LN.
• Research replacement parts where equipment is obsolete, obtain quotes, and process through LN.

Compliance, Statutory Testing & Site Checks

• Follow engineering SOPs, LOTO procedures, safe systems of work, and permit systems.
• Support/complete the following once trained and signed off:
• Weekly fire alarm testing
• Weekly compressor checks
• Monthly emergency lighting “flick” test
• 6‑monthly ladder inspections
• Participate in audits and compliance checks; assist with Risk Assessments as required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete maintenance records and work orders accurately and promptly.
• Provide clear shift handovers and escalate issues appropriately.
• Assist in preparing content for the monthly KPI meeting (e.g., spend, breakdowns, repairs, callouts).
• Support morning production meetings and monthly EHS meetings, carrying out tasks arising from them.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to small engineering projects, upgrades, and utility-saving initiatives (e.g., compressed air, electricity, water).
• Support installation/testing of isolation valves and air-assist blower controls.
• Suggest improvements to machine reliability, changeover efficiency, and operator usability.
• Liaise with contractors when required (under supervision).

The Person:

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical principles.
• Familiarity with pneumatic systems and components, including reading basic pneumatic diagrams.
• Ability to use hand tools safely and confidently.
• Good problem-solving ability and strong willingness to learn.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Able to work independently on defined tasks once trained.

Desirable

• Experience with automated machinery or assembly equipment (especially pick-and-place pneumatic systems).
• Exposure to PLC-controlled systems and basic PLC fault-finding (I/O and ladder logic) on Mitsubishi, Omron, or Allen‑Bradley.
• Understanding of basic electrical systems (motors, sensors, contactors, safety circuits).
• Knowledge of inverters and servo drives (awareness/assisting senior engineers).
• Previous maintenance/engineering experience in an FMCG, automation, manufacturing, or production environment.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Qualifications: NVQ Level 2/3, BTEC, ONC/HNC, or apprenticeship-trained (or working towards).

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, eager to develop new skills, and open to feedback.
• Calm under pressure with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Safety-conscious and detail-focused.
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to rotating shifts and participation in the callout rota.

Benefits

• Competitive salary including shift allowance - Starting at £14ph but can increase after training sign off up to £20ph
• Callout payment
• Training and development programme
• Pension scheme

Notes on Scope & Level

This description intentionally includes multi-skilled senior role responsibilities such as (mechanical, electrical, pneumatics & PLC exposure) allowing a Junior Engineer to gain experience whilst supporting them safely and building experience over time. Activities that carry higher risk or require deeper experience are positioned as assisted, supervised, or post‑sign‑off tasks to ensure safety and competency development.

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