Calder Industrial Materials specialises in the design, manufacture, and installation of high-quality lead and steel products with over 200 years of expertise. Serving diverse markets such as medical radiation shielding, industrial x-ray, petrochemical industries, and more, the company provides tailored solutions for customers in the UK, Europe, and worldwide. From its state-of-the-art facility in Chester, Calder handles design, fabrication, machining, and assembly work. The company is recognised for its commitment to innovation and excellence across a wide range of applications.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance & Engineering
· Perform fault‑finding, diagnostics, and repair of industrial machinery including furnaces, casting machines, conveyors, crushers, mixers, extraction systems, and material‑handling equipment.
· Conduct planned preventive maintenance (PPM) to minimise breakdowns and extend equipment life.
· Carry out electrical maintenance on motors, drives, control panels, PLC‑controlled equipment, and sensors.
· Complete mechanical repairs involving gearboxes, bearings, pumps, valves, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
· Support furnace-related maintenance such as refractory monitoring, burner systems, thermocouples, and cooling systems.
· Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.
· Ensure all work complies with engineering standards, electrical regulations, and site safety rules.
Safety & Compliance
· Work strictly in accordance with health & safety requirements for lead (Pb) processing environments, including PPE, hygiene protocols, and exposure monitoring.
· Assist in ensuring machinery meets PUWER, LOLER, and applicable environmental requirements.
· Maintain a clean and safe work area; identify and report hazards promptly.
· Support site audits and statutory inspections (e.g., electrical testing, pressure systems, lifting equipment).
Operational Support
· Provide engineering support to production teams to maximise plant efficiency.
· Respond rapidly to equipment breakdowns to minimise downtime.
· Support continuous improvement initiatives (5S, lean manufacturing, reliability improvements).
· Update maintenance records, work orders, and asset histories using the site CMMS.
Project & Improvement Work
· Support installation, commissioning, and modification of new and existing plant.
· Suggest and implement engineering improvements to reduce failures and improve reliability.
· Collaborate with external contractors during major shutdowns and project works.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
· Proven experience in industrial, processing, foundry, recycling, or similar harsh environments.
· Strong mechanical and electrical fault‑finding skills.
· Experience with industrial machinery such as conveyors, furnaces, pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, and automated systems.
· Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documents.
· Understanding of PLC‑controlled systems.
· Familiarity with CMMS systems and maintenance recording.
· Strong safety awareness.
Desirable
· Good experience in heavy industrial hydraulic equipment.
· Knowledge of refractory systems, burner management, and molten metal handling equipment.
· IOSH safety training.
· Condition‑based monitoring (vibration, thermography, lubrication analysis).
· Welding, fabrication, or machining skills.
Qualifications
· NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Multiskilled Maintenance.
· Level 3 Electromechanical qualification (preferred).
· Apprenticeship‑trained (advantageous).
· Additional training in hydraulics, pneumatics, PLCs, or industrial automation beneficial.
Behaviours & Attributes
· Strong problem‑solving skills.
· Works well under pressure in a fast‑paced, demanding environment.
· Team player with good communication skills.
· Proactive, self‑motivated, and committed to continuous improvement.
· High standards of housekeeping and personal hygiene (critical for lead environments).
What will I receive in return?
You’ll be part of a reputable business and you will be provided with full training.
Attractive Benefits:
More Than a Job – A Great Place to Work
Why People Choose Calder
Financial Benefits
- Pension Salary Sacrifice
- Death in Service Benefit (3 x Annual Salary)
- 25 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Additional Holiday Entitlement for Long Service
- Buy & Sell Holiday Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Recognition & Rewards
- Employee Recognition Scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Suggestion Scheme
- Refer a Friend Scheme
Health & Wellbeing
- Sovereign Healthcare
- Merit Cashback
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Wisdom Wellbeing
- GP24
- Sovereign Perks
Everyday Benefits
- Free Drinks
- Free On-Site Car Parking
- Free All-Inclusive Christmas Party
Working Hours: Average 36 hours per week on rotating shifts:
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Chester (Cheshire)
Pay: £25.95 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chester CH1 4EX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
