Mechanical Maintenance Technician Location: Gateshead Contract: 12 Months Positions Available: 2 Rate: Days Shift - £22.76 per hour Double Day Shift £25.36 per hour Role Overview The Mechanical Maintenance Technician will be responsible for carrying out planned and reactive maintenance activities within allocated plant areas. The role focuses on safe, timely, and efficient maintenance to minimise downtime and maximise equipment availability. Key Responsibilities Maintenance & Engineering Carry out risk-based inspection, testing, and maintenance of mechanical assets. Complete planned preventative maintenance (PPM), statutory inspections, and reactive/breakdown maintenance within a hazardous area environment. Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor or Production Shift Supervisor. Accurately record all maintenance activities on the maintenance management system to maintain full equipment history. Support the Maintenance Supervisor in achieving a PPM completion rate above 95%. Health, Safety & Environment Comply with all corporate, site, and regulatory HSE policies and procedures. Participate in risk assessments, job safety analysis (JSA), and permit-to-work systems. Ensure all work is carried out safely, with consideration for environmental impact and site standards. Promptly report accidents, incidents, and near misses. Maintain high standards of housekeeping and waste management in line with site procedures. Take part in behavioural-based safety observations and process safety reviews (HSE reviews, HAZOPs, etc.). Proactively identify, report, and mitigate potential hazards. Ensure all safety-related Engineering Work Requests (EWRs) are completed in a timely manner. Essential Requirements Recognised trade qualification in Mechanical Fitting or equivalent (NVQ Level 3). Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills. Proven experience maintaining and repairing equipment such as pumps, valves, gearboxes, chain and belt drives, conveyors, palletisers, and filling lines. Flexibility to work shift patterns Desirable HNC in Mechanical Engineering. 5 years' experience in a similar industrial environment. Previous experience working on a COMAH site. Confined space working experience (training can be provided if required).