Lead Mechanical Engineer
Location: Can be based at either Damhead Creek, Rye House or Shoreham
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About VPI
VPI is a leading energy company dedicated to delivering efficient, low-carbon power solutions across the UK. We are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and environmental stewardship. As part of our growth and continued investment in engineering expertise, we are seeking a highly skilled Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering Asset Integrity Team.
The Role
We are recruiting a Lead Mechanical Engineer to manage mechanical systems and equipment across VPI CCGT sites, including Damhead Creek, Rye House, Shoreham, Blackburn Power Stations, and Immingham CHP, with potential support for international projects. The role involves delivering cost-effective engineering and maintenance solutions, overseeing planned and breakdown maintenance, ensuring statutory compliance, and maintaining records. Additionally, the Lead Mechanical Engineer will manage direct reports by setting objectives, identifying training needs, and supporting staff development.
Key Responsibilities
Major Overhauls & Contracts
* Deliver major overhauls, including tendering and managing contracts over £1M.
* Prepare and manage major contracts for mechanical engineering needs.
Technical Expertise & Compliance
* Act as technical authority on equipment, standards, and regulations.
* Ensure compliance with design standards, codes, PSSR, and safety regulations.
* Oversee engineering procedures, plant modifications, and asset integrity inspections.
* Provide expert engineering advice to O&M teams for safe and reliable operations.
Operations & Maintenance Support
* Work closely with O&M teams on Long-Term Service Agreements with OEMs.
* Support and supervise mechanical work during plant overhauls.
* Ensure effective progression of all mechanical engineering issues.
* Implement Technical Risk Management, including plant reviews and strategic spares.
Management & Strategy
* Participate in station management and decision-making.
* Support business planning, financial control, and engineering strategy development.
* Manage Process Safety KPIs and ensure high standards of housekeeping and safety.
Collaboration & Mobility
* Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders.
* Travel between sites as needed for business operations.
Problem-Solving & Planning
* Take a proactive, structured approach to fault diagnosis and issue resolution.
* Ensure engineering targets are met safely, on time, and within budget
What We're Looking For
* Minimum of 5 years' experience in the Mechanical Engineering of large generating plant (CCGT desirable)
* Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. health & safety, environment and employment law.
* Ability to manage people.
* Knowledge of budgets and contract management.
* Educated to Degree standard or equivalent qualifications and experience.
* NEBOSH or IOSH certificate desirable
* Identify and develop strengths of direct reports within the team.
* Ability to handle multiple work projects running simultaneously as the business need arises
* Understanding of engineering standards and legislation
Key Skills & Attributes
* Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision.
* Ability to assist and support colleagues and promote co-operation.
* Desire, aptitude and attitude to learn, develop, and share your knowledge and experience with colleagues.
* Embraces change and ability to adapt self and others to new situations / working methods.
* Flexible approach applying your skills to meet the business needs.
* Promotes business ethics with high regard to Environmental and Safety factors.
* Ability to work on multiple work projects running together as the business need arise.
* Ability to work as part of a small team, encourage collaborative working relationships
Why Join VPI?
* Be part of an innovative company at the forefront of the energy sector.
* Work on technically challenging projects across multiple sites.
* Contribute to a company that values safety, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement.
* Opportunities for professional growth and development.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a driven Process Chemist looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, we want to hear from you!
Apply today and help shape the future of power generation.
Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.