Mechanical Engineer

Are you a time-served, hands-on Maintenance Engineer with an mechanical bias? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment where keeping equipment reliable and safe is essential? We’re looking for a Maintenance Engineer (mechanical Bias) to join our team in Desborough.

About VPK

VPK Packaging Group is a leading sustainable packaging manufacturer with a strong presence across Europe. At our Desborough site, we produce high‑quality corrugated packaging for a wide range of industries. We are committed to safety, investment in our people, and continuous improvement — and our engineering team plays a vital role in our success.

About the Role

You’ll join our established maintenance team with a structured onboarding plan that introduces you to our equipment, processes, and site safety standards. Once settled, you will work on double-day shifts (6–2 / 2–10), supporting production by ensuring our machinery remains safe, reliable, and running efficiently.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others by following all safe working practices, risk assessments, and LOTOTO procedures.
• Working closely with Engineers, Operators, and Team Leaders to minimise downtime and support safe, efficient production.
• Carrying out electrical and mechanical fault-finding, breakdown response, and planned preventative maintenance.
• Completing breakdown, repair, and preventative maintenance reports clearly and accurately.
• Supporting continuous improvement by identifying and implementing reliability improvements.
• Sourcing replacement parts and services when required — ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Maintaining a tidy and safe working environment in line with all health, safety, hygiene, and legal requirements.

What We’re Looking For

• Time-served, apprentice‑trained Maintenance Engineer with an mechancial bias (Level 3 or equivalent).
• Solid experience working in a manufacturing or production maintenance environment.
• Multi-skilled approach with competence in both electrical and mechanical fault-finding.
• Good working knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics.
• PLC and drive experience is an advantage.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, can‑do attitude.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Why Join VPK?

At VPK, you’ll be part of a supportive, skilled engineering team in a business that invests in training, development, and modern equipment. We offer:

• Competitive salary plus shift allowance
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Ongoing training and personal development
• A safe, friendly, and inclusive working environment