This isn’t a typical maintenance role. You’ll be working across a live manufacturing environment, keeping equipment running day to day, while also getting involved in process improvement and new equipment development.
There’s a key focus on a major product area (IOL, intraocular lenses), so you’ll be close to process development work as well as supporting production. It’s a good mix of hands-on engineering and problem solving.
Manufacturing Maintenance Engineer
Saffron Walden
£50,000 to £55,000 + Benefits
Full-time permanent role, 37.5 hours per week
Responsibilities:
· Maintaining and supporting production equipment across both electrical and mechanical systems.
· Fault finding on PLC-controlled systems, ideally Siemens or similar.
· Supporting process improvements and efficiency projects.
· Assisting with new equipment design, build and integration.
· Working closely with production and operations teams.
· Getting hands-on with fabrication where needed, including basic machining and modifications.
Requirements:
· A strong electro-mechanical background
· Experience within a manufacturing or production environment
· PLC fault finding with the ability to make minor edits or changes
· A practical mindset with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues quickly
· Someone comfortable balancing reactive maintenance with improvement work
Why it’s worth a look
· This isn’t just a maintenance role, you’ll have real involvement in improving processes and equipment.
· You’ll be close to product development work, not just fixing breakdowns.
· The environment allows for ownership and input, rather than being a small part of a large team.
· Exposure to specialist manufacturing within a medical and optical space.
If you’re looking for something with more variety and ownership than drop me a message on here or at lewis@cranleighstem.co.uk
Cranleigh STEM is a specialist recruitment partner in STEM, Sustainability, and SHEQ. We work with innovative organisations and purpose-led professionals to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from advancing clean technologies to driving scientific discovery.
We understand that progress in these fields depends on people. Our role is to connect the right individuals with the right teams, whether that’s scientists in the lab, engineers on the ground, or leaders at the helm.
🚀 Our Mission
To support innovative organisations by delivering the talent they need to grow, evolve, and make a meaningful impact in their field.
🔎 Our Core Values
Challenge
We’re comfortable working in complex, technical spaces. We approach every brief with curiosity and care, asking the right questions to deliver people who can genuinely move your organisation forward.
Collaboration
We see recruitment as a partnership. That means open communication, transparency, and shared goals, whether you’re building a team or looking for your next role.
Commitment
We take pride in the work we do. We’re committed to high standards, long-term relationships, and doing what’s right for our clients, our candidates, and the industries we serve.
💡 Our Purpose
To contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future by helping organisations in science and technology attract and retain the talent they need to grow responsibly and with purpose.
🌍 Our Reach
Headquartered in South London, we work with clients and candidates across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
🔬 Areas of Expertise
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Chemicals & Materials
Food Technology
Clean Technology
Electric Vehicles & Sustainable Engineering
If you're hiring or exploring your next move in STEM, we’re here to help.
