Shift Technician (Mechanical)

We are seeking to appoint Mechanical Shift Technicians to join the LCTE Engineering team at the Port of Tilbury.

In this role, you will work as part of a dedicated engineering team responsible for the planned and reactive maintenance on a range of terminal equipment. The position involves carrying out scheduled maintenance, fault diagnosis, and mechanical and electrical repairs, while providing technical support to operational plant.

The role includes regular working at height, using approved access equipment and fall‑protection systems, in full compliance with permit-to-work procedures and safety regulations. You will ensure compliance with safety standards, maintain optimal equipment performance, and maximise plant reliability, with a strong focus on safety, equipment availability and minimising downtime.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair Container Cranes, Straddle Carriers, and other terminal equipment, working flexibly across electrical and mechanical disciplines in line with company safety, environmental, and quality policies.

• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns to minimise downtime and operational disruption.

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise faults in a fast-paced operational environment

• Ensure all maintenance work is completed safely and to a high standard, supporting equipment reliability and operational performance.

• Accurately and concisely record all maintenance activities, inspections, fault findings, and repairs using the designated maintenance reporting software.

• Communicate effectively with Shift Supervisors and Engineering Management, providing timely updates on equipment condition, faults, and work progress.

• Support equipment reliability and compliance through fault investigation, statutory inspections, safety checks, and accurate maintenance documentation.

• Safely operate and inspect engineering plant and equipment in accordance with procedures, including MEWPs, cranes, FLTs, and plant vehicles.

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, lubrication, and cleanliness across workshops and equipment.

• Take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others, fully complying with all London Container Terminal health, safety, environmental, and security policies.

• Work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with Operations, Engineering colleagues, and Technical Specialists to support safe and efficient terminal operations.

• Demonstrate flexibility to work shift patterns and overtime as required to meet operational demands.

• Carry out additional duties as reasonably assigned by the Line Manager.

Technical Skills – Essential

• Strong mechanical fault-finding and diagnostic skills across industrial and mobile plant

• Strong understanding of mechanical safety requirements and safe working practices

• Fault-finding and diagnostic experience with hydraulic systems

• Experience working with diesel engine power units

• Good understanding of preventative and reactive mechanical maintenance

Technical Skills – Desirable

• Experience working with Volvo Penta and Sisu power units

• Experience with hot works, including welding, cutting and burning

• Experience in mechanical fabrication and turning

• Experience inspecting, maintaining and replacing wire ropes

Essential Qualifications

• ONC or HNC in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, or engineering related)

• Completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship

IT & Personal Skills

• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Ability to work autonomously and effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary engineering team

• Practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving ability

What Forth Ports can offer you:

At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy

• A competitive salary

• Group Bonus

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary

• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family

• On-site Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs

• An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees

• GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms

• Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting

• On-site free parking available for all employees

• Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover

• Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays 

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service.

We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.