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.
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.
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.
Although requirements vary by employer, most Maintenance Engineer roles look for a mix of practical experience and technical knowledge.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Head over to Voceer to check out maintenance engineer jobs now.