Maintenance Engineer Job Description: Key Responsibilities, Skills & Career Path

When businesses rely on machinery, equipment, and smooth day-to-day operations, Maintenance Engineers play a vital role in keeping everything running safely and efficiently. At Voceer, we regularly see strong demand for skilled Maintenance Engineers across manufacturing, logistics, facilities management, energy, and engineering sectors.

If you're considering a career in maintenance engineering—or you're an employer wanting to write a clear job description, this guide provides a full breakdown of what the role involves.

What Does a Maintenance Engineer Do?

A Maintenance Engineer is responsible for ensuring that industrial equipment, systems, and facilities operate without issues. They carry out repairs, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting to minimise downtime and improve reliability.

Typical duties include:

• Conducting routine inspections and servicing machinery

• Diagnosing faults and mechanical, electrical, or control-system issues

• Responding to breakdowns and prioritising urgent repairs

• Installing new machinery or upgrading existing equipment

• Logging maintenance work, completing documentation, and updating systems

• Ensuring all work complies with safety regulations and company standards

• Working closely with production, engineering, and operations teams

• Identifying ways to improve equipment performance and reduce downtime

Maintenance Engineers often work in fast-paced environments where problem-solving, technical skill, and quick decision-making are essential.

Key Skills and Qualifications

Although requirements vary by employer, most Maintenance Engineer roles look for a mix of practical experience and technical knowledge.

Essential skills:

• Strong mechanical and/or electrical engineering skills

• Ability to read technical drawings, schematics, and maintenance manuals

• Solid troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities

• Knowledge of health and safety standards

• Preventative maintenance planning

• Use of tools, testing equipment, and computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS)

• Good communication and teamwork

Qualifications commonly required:

• HND, NVQ, BTEC, or degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering

• Apprenticeship in Engineering (highly valued)

• Certifications such as IOSH, 18th Edition, PLC training, or manufacturer-specific training

Where Do Maintenance Engineers Work?

Maintenance Engineers can be found across a variety of industries, including:

• Manufacturing & production plants

• Food and beverage factories

• Warehouses & distribution centres

• Pharmaceuticals

• Facilities management

• Utilities (water, gas, energy)

• Transport and infrastructure

The role can involve shifts, nights, or call-out rotas depending on the site.

Career Progression & Opportunities

The career path for a Maintenance Engineer is strong, with opportunities including:

• Senior Maintenance Engineer

• Maintenance Supervisor / Team Leader

• Engineering Manager

• Reliability Engineer

• Project Engineer

• Facilities Manager

With automation and smart manufacturing growing rapidly, skills in PLCs, robotics, and control systems are becoming especially valuable.

Typical Salary Range (UK - 2025)

Maintenance Engineer salaries vary based on sector and experience:

• Entry-level: £26,000 – £32,000

• Mid-level: £32,000 – £42,000

• Senior: £42,000 – £52,000+

• Shift engineers and roles in food production or heavy industry often pay higher based on shift allowances or technical demands.

Maintenance Engineer Jobs on Voceer

Head over to Voceer to check out maintenance engineer jobs now.