Job Specification - Mechanical Fitter
Job Title: Mechanical Fitter
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Department: Engineering & Maintenance
Reports To: Maintenance Manager / Engineering Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Mechanical Fitter to join our Engineering team at our food manufacturing facility in Waterford. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving production machinery and plant equipment to ensure maximum operational efficiency, minimise downtime, and support continuous production.
Working within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, you will play a key role in delivering planned preventative maintenance, responding to equipment breakdowns, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and health & safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) in accordance with maintenance schedules.
- Diagnose and repair mechanical faults on production and packaging equipment.
- Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
- Install, modify and commission new machinery and equipment.
- Maintain pumps, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems and associated plant equipment.
- Perform fabrication, welding and fitting work where required.
- Work closely with production teams to maximise equipment reliability and performance.
- Complete maintenance records accurately using the site's CMMS or maintenance management system.
- Assist with root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring failures.
- Support continuous improvement projects focused on reliability, efficiency and cost reduction.
- Ensure spare parts are used efficiently and report stock requirements.
- Adhere to all Health & Safety, Food Safety, HACCP and GMP requirements.
- Participate in shutdown maintenance and engineering projects as required.
- Work collaboratively as part of the Engineering team and provide support across departments.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Qualified Mechanical Fitter with a recognised trade qualification (National Craft Certificate or equivalent).
- Minimum 3 years' post-apprenticeship experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical maintenance practices.
- Experience working with conveyors, pumps, motors, gearboxes, bearings, pneumatics and hydraulics.
- Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
- Flexible approach to working hours and shift patterns where required.
