Electrical Maintenance Engineer – Food Manufacturing
Location
On-site (Manufacturing Facility)
Job Purpose
The Electrical Maintenance Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical systems and automated equipment within a food manufacturing environment. The role focuses on preventative and reactive maintenance, fault finding, and continuous improvement while maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards.
Key Responsibilities
Electrical Maintenance & Fault Finding
* Carry out planned, preventative, and reactive electrical maintenance on production and packaging equipment
* Diagnose and repair electrical faults to minimize downtime and maintain production targets
* Maintain electrical systems including motors, drives, sensors, control panels, and instrumentation
Automation & Control Systems
* Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, VSDs, and control systems (e.g. Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider)
* Support automated production lines, conveyors, and packaging machinery
* Assist with minor PLC modifications and system improvements (where authorised)
Compliance, Safety & Food Standards
* Ensure all work complies with electrical regulations, food safety standards (HACCP, BRC, GMP), and company procedures
* Follow strict hygiene, clean-down, and contamination control processes
* Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation
Continuous Improvement
* Identify recurring faults and implement root cause analysis (RCA)
* Support reliability improvement initiatives and energy efficiency projects
* Assist with installation and commissioning of new equipment and line upgrades
Team & Shift Support
* Work collaboratively with mechanical engineers, production teams, and external contractors
* Provide technical support during breakdowns and shift operations
* Participate in shift patterns, call-out, or weekend work as required
Key Requirements
Experience
* Proven experience as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer in a food, FMCG, or regulated manufacturing environment
* Experience working with high-speed production or packaging lines
* Strong background in fault finding on automated machinery
Technical Skills
* Electrical fault diagnosis (single & three-phase systems)
* PLC fault finding and basic programming knowledge
* Experience with VSDs, motors, sensors, relays, and safety circuits
* Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and schematics
Qualifications
* Electrical Engineering qualification (NVQ Level 3 / HNC / HND / equivalent)
* Recognised electrical certification (e.g. 18th Edition or regional equivalent)
* Food safety training (HACCP/GMP) desirable
Personal Attributes
* Safety-focused with strong attention to detail
* Proactive, hands-on, and calm under pressure
* Strong problem-solving and communication skills
* Flexible and willing to work shifts in a fast-paced environment
What We Offer
* Competitive salary with overtime and shift allowance
* Stable role within a well-established food manufacturing operation
* Opportunities for training in automation and continuous improvement
* Supportive engineering and production team environment