Position Title:Multi-skilled Engineer - Whittlesey
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID: 43820
Multi-Skilled Engineers - Whittlesey
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences — together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.
We're always on the lookout for brilliant engineers. Even when we don't have a live vacancy, we want to hear from talented, multi-skilled engineers who are ready to make their mark. So if you've got the skills and you're ready for your next challenge, don't wait - send us your details and when the right opportunity comes up, we'll already know your name.
Our manufacturing plants run around the clock producing some of the UK's most loved food products - and our engineers are the heartbeat of everything we do. From the moment potatoes arrive at our factory gates to the finished product heading out the door, our engineering teams keep every stage of that process moving safely, efficiently, and reliably.
This isn't a role where you clock in, fix one thing, and clock off. Our plants are complex, fast-moving environments where no two shifts are ever the same. You'll be working across mechanical and electrical disciplines, responding to both planned and unplanned maintenance, driving continuous improvement, and playing a real part in keeping production running at its best.
With automation on the rise, staying ahead is non-negotiable - and our engineers are right at the sharp end of that challenge. If you thrive under pressure, love problem-solving, and want to feel genuinely proud of what you do, this is the environment for you.
We recruit at all levels of engineering, from skilled craftspeople through to team leaders and chargehands. Whether you're a hands-on engineer, or someone who's ready to step into a leadership position and bring a team with you, we want to hear from you. Roles vary across our sites in terms of shift patterns and specific focus areas - but all share the same core: technical excellence, safety-first thinking, and a drive to keep our plants performing at their very best.
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Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance across the manufacturing site, keeping plant and equipment running reliably and safely
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Diagnosing faults quickly and effectively - getting to root cause and putting lasting fixes in place
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Working closely with production teams to make sure standards are always being met and any issues are communicated clearly and promptly
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Contributing to and leading continuous improvement activity, finding smarter, faster, better ways to do things
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Using and updating our Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to maintain accurate records of all work completed
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Supporting lean manufacturing principles and helping embed best practice across the team
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Working safely at all times, taking personal responsibility for your own wellbeing and that of everyone around you
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At more senior levels: organising and prioritising shift workloads, providing technical support to the team, and ensuring contractors are inducted and working safely on site
We're looking for Multi-Skilled Engineers - people who are as comfortable with a mechanical challenge as they are with an electrical one. You'll already know what it takes to keep a manufacturing plant moving, so we won't labour the obvious. But here's what we'll be looking for:
Qualifications (or equivalent):
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NVQ Level 2/3, BTEC Level 3, or City & Guilds Part 3 in a relevant engineering discipline — one of these is essential
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A time-served apprenticeship — essential
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HNC or National Certificate (ONC) in a relevant discipline — desirable
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IOSH or NEBOSH certificate — desirable
Experience & knowledge:
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Proven experience in a maintenance role within a manufacturing or industrial environment
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Strong fault-finding skills across both electrical and mechanical systems
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Knowledge of SCADA systems and PLC fault finding — desirable
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Understanding of modern maintenance techniques and lean manufacturing principles
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Familiarity with health and safety legislation and safe systems of work
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Experience using a CMMS or similar maintenance management tool
Skills & behaviours:
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Genuinely multi-skilled — confident working across disciplines
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A natural problem solver who acts on their own initiative
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Strong communicator who can explain technical information clearly to both engineering and operational colleagues
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Able to work at pace without cutting corners — organised, prioritised, and calm under pressure
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A team player who lifts others around them, not just themselves
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Computer literate — comfortable with Microsoft Windows and Office applications
Although we do encourage you to taste the goods, you'll be pleased to know we don't pay you in chips. Our engineering salaries are competitive within the local area, and we can share the details once you've applied. Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy:
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An excellent salary sacrifice pension scheme where we'll contribute double what you do, up to a maximum of 12% of your pay
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25 days' annual leave from day one plus bank holidays (increasing with service), with the option to buy and sell up to 5 days per year
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Medicash health cash plan — claim money back on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, and physiotherapy, with 24/7 virtual GP access and mental health support
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Life insurance cover providing peace of mind for you and your family
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Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, because the moments that matter outside of work matter to us too
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TELUS Health employee and family assistance programme — including a 24/7 confidential counselling line, legal and financial guidance, and a range of employee discounts
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Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
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A paid 'Chips In' Volunteering Day, giving you the chance to make a positive difference in your community
And because you're joining a global business, your career opportunities don't stop at the factory gate. Whether you want to deepen your technical expertise, move into leadership, or explore opportunities internationally — we'll back your growth. With ambitious plans for the future, there's plenty of scope to develop your career with us.
Click here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.
At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve results. We are customer obsessed, curious, and driven. We think big, act like owners, and bring out the best in our people. We foster trust and inclusion, create space for healthy debate, and commit to decisions together. These aren't just words on a wall — they're how we show up every day.
We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we're better together.
Even if we don't have a live role right now, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your CV and a brief note about the type of engineering role you're looking for and we'll be in touch when something comes up that fits.
We are McCain.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.
Job Family: Engineering & Technical
Location(s): GB - United Kingdom : England : Whittlesey
Company:
