Technical Operator

Airport Placements; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a hands-on Technical Operator to support production in a food-grade environment in the United Kingdom. The role involves operating production equipment, performing basic mechanical maintenance, and working closely with engineering teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong mechanical aptitude and experience in a production setting, with the ability to diagnose machine faults and carry out basic interventions. Competitive pay and training opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Full training on systems and equipment

Career progression opportunities

Competitive pay

Qualifications

• Experience working in production, bottling, FM-CG, or similar environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on practical ability.
• Willingness to work shifts during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform basic fault finding on mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Maintain accurate records for production and maintenance activities.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Experience in production environment

Troubleshooting machine faults

Using hand tools

Education

Any basic engineering qualification

Job description

We are looking for a hands‑on Technical Operator to support production, maintain smooth running of plant equipment, and carry out basic technical interventions such as machinery resets, sensor adjustments, fault‑finding, and minor mechanical fixes. This role is ideal for someone with good mechanical aptitude, experience working around production machinery, and the confidence to solve technical issues on the line – without needing to be a fully qualified engineer.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Line Operation

• Operate production equipment safely and efficiently to meet daily output targets.
• Monitor line performance, product quality, and machine behaviour, escalating issues where needed.
• Carry out start‑up, shut‑down, and changeover procedures.
• Maintain high standards of safety, hygiene, and housekeeping in a food‑grade environment.

Technical Tasks & First‑Line Maintenance

• Perform basic fault finding on mechanical, electrical and pneumatic equipment at operator level.
• Complete machine re‑sets, sensor resets/adjustments, and recover the line after stoppages.
• Assist with changeovers, including setting up machinery, adjusting guides, replacing consumables, etc.
• Conduct routine checks, lubrication tasks, and minor mechanical adjustments.
• Support engineers during planned maintenance or breakdowns when required.
• Report and document faults, downtime, and recurring issues to support continuous improvement.

Quality & Compliance

• Follow all food safety, quality, and compliance procedures according to company standards.
• Complete visual checks, packaging checks, and product quality checks during production.
• Maintain accurate records for production, downtime, waste, and maintenance activity.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to keep lines running efficiently.
• Communicate clearly during handovers, highlighting machine issues or upcoming interventions.
• Contribute to problem‑solving meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a production, manufacturing, bottling, FM‑CG, or similar environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on practical ability.
• Comfortable using hand tools and performing minor technical interventions.
• Ability to diagnose simple machine faults and carry out resets confidently.
• Understanding of safety standards and working in a clean manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work shifts and support overtime during peak periods.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience with bottling or packaging machinery.
• Any basic engineering qualification (mechanical, electrical, maintenance, fabrication, etc.).
• Experience in food, drink, or water production environments.
• Knowledge of basic maintenance routines (lubrication, parts replacement, adjustments).

What We Offer

• Full training on systems and equipment.
• Opportunity to develop into a more advanced technical or maintenance role.
• Supportive team environment with career progression for engineering‑minded operators.
• Competitive pay, shift allowance (where applicable), and company benefits.