Manufacturing Engineer (Components)

Machine Maintenance Engineer - Fibre Components

Permanent Southampton Competitive Salary

We are seeking aMachine Maintenance Engineer to join our Operations Engineering team and support our fibre component production line. This is a hands-on role focused on repairing, maintaining, and optimising fibre processing machines used in the manufacture of fibre components. You will ensure maximum uptime and reliability of equipment, delivering consistent, high-quality output for both internal use and external manufacturing partners.

You'll work closely with Production, R&D, and cross-functional teams to resolve machine breakdowns, implement preventive maintenance, and support the introduction of new equipment and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair breakdowns on fibre processing and precision manufacturing machines.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance (TPM) to maximise equipment availability.
• Service, repair, and calibrate a range of machines (fibre preparation, cleaving, splicing, tapering, etching, and related automation equipment).
• Work with Technicians and Engineers to ensure maintenance schedules are completed and equipment downtime is minimised.
• Support day-to-day production lines, identifying root causes of machine failures and implementing corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to boost machine reliability, productivity, and quality.
• Support lean manufacturing activities, process upgrades, and new equipment commissioning.
• Record and analyse breakdown data, downtime, and maintenance KPIs to improve long-term performance.
• Use systems (e.g. JIRA, Confluence, or equivalent) to track issues, maintenance activities, and priorities.

Required Experience & Skills

• 5+ years' experience in machine maintenance, automation, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong hands-on skills in mechanical and electro-mechanical repair, fault-finding, and calibration.
• Experience with fibre components, optics, or precision assemblies (desirable but not essential).
• Knowledge of automation systems, CNC equipment, or high-precision machinery.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise actions under time pressure.
• IT literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with analytical skills for reporting maintenance data.

Desirable

• Experience in fibre processing equipment (cleaving, splicing, tapering, etching).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma.
• Background in product fault-finding and testing.

Qualifications

• Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.

Personal Attributes

• Highly motivated and methodical with a hands-on approach.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Adaptable and proactive, able to work independently or in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong customer focus.