Pros
As a mechanical engineer there is a good range of work you will be involved in, lots of different types of machines to repair. There is workshop bench fitting tasks to repair sub assemblies for machines, servicing and ppm work, welding and fabrication tasks and standard mechanical jobs such as belt, bearings and chain replacements. Each day can be very different and there freedom to be involved in all aspects of the work. Working environment is very good and clean, multiple workshops in each factory of the site. Each engineer has a workbench and cupboard and a large tool box trolley to take out into the factory when breakdowns occur. Engineers can order tools through the company. Other positives are good working hours, currently 4 on 4 off but 10 hour shifts not 12, and one set of afternoon shifts a month, no nights. Free gym for all employees onsite, onsite hot canteen with good food (does cost.) Lots of overtime available and freedom to get overtime pay or use day in lieu.
Cons
Some of the machines can be very complicated if no previous experience and there isn’t a good amount of training for new employees. This is mainly due to lack of staff. Because of this, there is also lots of times where you are working alone or in a very small team for a large number of machines. There is a lack of transparency between management and employees, shifts change very frequently and hours for your shifts can change depending on production demands which also seems to change a last minute notice. Can be a lot of pressure to get machines fixed very quickly, working days are very demanding and only one half hour break in the day. There can be a lack of planning, for larger jobs to be carried out and not much communication between different departments such as engineering and production. Pay isn’t as competitive with other companies for less demanding work.
