Shift Engineer – Multiskilled (Electrical Bias)

Glass Futures Ltd is a not‑for‑profit research and technology organisation, supported by multinational brands and global companies. Our Centre of Excellence in St Helens provides global support and expertise to organisations on their sustainability journey, via a 30T/day oxy‑fuel‑fired test furnace complete with rolled plate and IS machines. In addition, the plant benefits from some of the latest technology available on the market, including the latest Siemens DCS control system (Neo), flagship forehearth designs and test equipment.

Our Vision:

A world where materials industries are clean, circular, and driven by digital innovation, powering a sustainable future for people and planet.

Core Values: Collaboration | Innovation | Integrity | Safety

About our Opportunity:

We have a rare opportunity to join our existing shift maintenance team, who have a wealth of glass manufacturing maintenance experience. The candidate should be of high calibre, proactive, dependable, enthusiastic and versatile, with strong initiative, able to work effectively within a team, and driven to succeed and grow in a fast‑paced environment.

The successful candidate will form an essential part of the operations team, focusing on maintaining the £60m+ assets and production line, and therefore ensuring trial stability. This role also offers significant opportunity to support the diverse project work we undertake. Working closely with the Operations Shift Team Leader and reporting into the Engineering team, the role involves engaging with a variety of internal stakeholders and ensuring excellent service delivery to the wider Glass Futures team.

The successful candidate will have the unrivalled opportunity to collaborate with leading experts from the glass and digital technologies sectors. Due to the nature of the business, a strong background in a similar industry is highly advantageous; however, we are also open to hearing from candidates who can bring a different dynamic, with a wide scope of experience, demonstrable transferable skills, and the core values required to become an essential part of our team. This is a prime opportunity to learn and develop your skills on the latest industrial equipment.

Core Responsibilities:

• Promote and lead an exemplary safety culture across the St Helens site.
• Take responsibility for the safe maintenance and operation of glass manufacturing equipment and the furnace.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and carry out on‑site repairs when required.
• Conduct fault‑finding and diagnostics on all equipment within the plant.
• Install and maintain industrial equipment, including machinery and systems.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules, identify and order necessary parts, and ensure all equipment meets regulatory standards.
• Carry out regular inspections, complete necessary repairs, and upgrade outdated technology or machinery with improved models.
• Install and upgrade system components to improve optimisation and undertake diagnostic work to identify required adjustments.
• Carry out machine, control and operational adjustments in line with SOPs/SSOW.
• Ensure all relevant process documentation and records are completed and approved.
• Competently complete and work in accordance with risk assessments, method statements, SSOW and SOPs.
• Investigate production‑related issues, identify root causes and respond appropriately and safely.

Person Specification:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working (preferably in maintenance) within a glass/process plant or fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Minimum HNC in Electrical Engineering (Mechanical or other technical disciplines considered).
• Preferably served a recognised apprenticeship and hold a minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Competent in completing and working in accordance with risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work/SOPs.
• Ability to diagnose and repair (where possible) faults and communicate issues to Shift Leaders.
• Adaptable, enjoying variety, change and flexibility, with the ability to react effectively in fluid situations.
• Effective communicator, able to adapt communication style as required.
• Strong problem‑solving, creative thinking and analytical skills.
• Adaptable to frequently changing circumstances.
• Knowledge of LOTO and permits to work.
• Comfortable with shift working covering a 24/7 operation, including associated unsociable hours.
• Comfortable working in varying environmental conditions, e.g., hot (furnace/lehr), cold (outside) and occasionally noisy or dusty operational environments.
• Preferable but not essential: CompEx certified, 18th Edition certified.

Additional standard benefits include:

• Private Medical Insurance.
• Equivalent to 35 days’ holiday including bank holidays (based on a 5‑day, 42‑hour week).
• Additional annual leave based on length of service.
• Enhanced company pension.
• Enhanced pay for sick leave and family‑friendly policies.

Next Steps:

Please get in touch to express your interest and apply for this exciting role, and for the unique opportunity to play a part in future innovation and change.

At Glass Futures, we are all about people. We care about the wellbeing of our teams, and we value diversity and inclusion, seeking to create a supportive, dynamic environment where talented and dedicated people can develop their career.

Inclusion and diversity are paramount to us at Glass Futures – we passionately believe that this culture nurtures stronger performance across the wider business. All applicants and employees are treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of any protected characteristic(s). If you require reasonable adjustments during your application process, please do not hesitate to contact us – we are committed to providing the best possible candidate experience and are always happy to help.