KWS UK Ltd. is seeking a Lead Agricultural Engineer to join our onsite team in Thriplow, United Kingdom. This is a hands-on role where you will take ownership of all site needs, ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of machinery and equipment supporting plant breeding activities.
You will lead the workshop facilities, provide a mobile repair service for in-field machinery, supervise staff, and collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain efficient operations. The role is on a full-time basis, 35 hours per week During peak seasons, flexibility is essential, and working longer hours, 6 days per week, may be required to support business-critical activities.
Key responsibilities
• Lead the service and maintenance of all machinery and equipment on site
• Respond quickly to breakdowns and implement effective solutions to maintain operations
• Manage and organise the KWS UK workshop in a safe and efficient manner
• Supervise and support workshop staff, providing clear guidance and leadership
• Coordinate maintenance activities across local and external sites
• Design and fabricate bespoke machinery and equipment solutions when needed
• Maintain stock levels of parts and consumables
• Ensure a clean, safe, and well-organised workshop environment
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors on projects
• Contribute to capital investment planning and decision-making
• Monitor costs, budgets, and operational efficiency
• Implement and uphold health and safety systems and procedures
Your profile
• Qualification and experience in Agricultural Engineering, 10 years experience
• Strong design and fabrication skills
• Knowledge of electronics (highly advantageous)
• Experience or understanding of groundworks, building, or construction (beneficial)
• Fluency in English
• Good IT and digital skills
• A self-motivated, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to act quickly and effectively
• Confident communicator able to work with stakeholders at all levels
• Flexibility to adapt working hours during busy periods
What we offer
• 35-hour working week
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Highly competitive pension scheme (up to 16% employer contribution)
• Life assurance (3x annual salary)
• Income protection plan (up to 75% salary)
• Private healthcare plan
• Profit-related bonus scheme (target up to 10%)
• Access to a lifestyle discount scheme
• Reduced diesel prices via company fuel pump
• A fun working environment where we take care of each other. We also organize social events such as a Summer Staff BBQ, a Christmas party and charity fundraising events
Apply now
If you are ready to take on a varied and impactful engineering role within an innovative agricultural business, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV to apply and join KWS in shaping the future of agriculture.
KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. With the tradition of family ownership, KWS has operated independently for more than 165 years. We focus on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for corn, sugar beet, cereals, rapeseed, sunflowers and vegetables. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods. Ca.5,000 employees represent KWS in more than 70 countries.
At KWS we work in an international environment with motivated employees and experienced teams. We want you to contribute your know-how and knowledge, your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. We will provide you with continuous support for further professional and personal development.
This is how we think and act at KWS. If you share this viewpoint and want to seed the future with us, visit us on: www.kws.com/career.
