Mechanical Specialist

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes.
We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
We're looking for a highly skilled Mechanical Specialist to join our Waste Water Services M&E team. This is a pivotal regional role, based from either Devon or Cornwall with travel across the South West, ensuring our mechanical assets are safe, reliable, and performing at their best.
If you're passionate about raising standards, solving complex engineering challenges, and supporting field teams to deliver safe, best-practice maintenance, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What you'll be doing:
As our Mechanical Specialist, you will be the technical lead for mechanical maintenance across the region. You'll:

• Provide specialist support and advice to mechanical field teams and M&E Maintenance Managers.
• Ensure consistent, safe, and compliant delivery of mechanical maintenance activities.
• Support and guide teams on ATEX, DSEAR, permits, safety documentation, and mechanical governance.
• Lead technical investigations, evaluate risks, and advise on best practice and compliance.
• Develop and maintain mechanical safety policies, LOTOTO systems, and operating procedures.
• Represent the function in procurement, design scoping, industry working groups, and engineering forums.
• Lead and deliver the mechanical coordinated and appointed person training.
• Lead introduction of the mechanical safety rules/policy, including continuous review to ensure a practical solution is achieved whilst remaining compliant.

What we're looking for:

• Advanced mechanical maintenance and fault-finding capability.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering safety, legislation, and best practice.
• Experience working with hydraulics, pneumatics, pumping systems, dosing systems, odour control, and wider water/wastewater process equipment.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with the confidence to challenge and guide others.
• Strong problem-solving ability and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to build effective partnerships.
• Knowledge of the UK water industry (desirable).

Essential

• Time-served mechanical apprenticeship with relevant formal qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds, ONC, BTEC).
• HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• Demonstrable field-based mechanical maintenance experience.
• Mechanical AP competencies.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Working toward or holding IEng registration.
• CompEx Ex14 (or willingness to achieve within 12 months).
• IOSH or NEBOSH safety qualifications.

What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays
• Jobs need car
• Discretionary bonus
• Competitive contributory pension
• Share-save scheme
• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
• Group discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Financial support services
• Development and training opportunities
  ... and much more!

Closing Date: 16th April 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

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