Mechanical Engineer

Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineer role at Charles River Laboratories
. For 70 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies, making a significant impact on global health.

Salary D.O.E + On Call Allowance
Rota – 35 hours per week:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm;
Friday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Out‑of‑hours callouts – rostered – 1 in 4 weeks (paid at additional rate).

• Maintain and modify all site mechanical services and equipment as directed by the Maintenance Manager.
• Carry out mechanical repairs, tests and reports with a heavy emphasis on plumbing, pipe fitting and steam.
• Perform preventive planned maintenance and complete relevant documentation.
• Respond to reactive work orders and complete them promptly.
• Install pipe work throughout the site (copper and iron) and operate/site boilers (oil, steam and biomass). Steam training can be provided.
• Assist with training new team members and monitoring stock levels for plumbing and pipe fitting.
• Provide on‑call cover to ensure correct operation of systems outside normal working hours.
• Advise the Facilities Manager on future mechanical maintenance requirements, legislative changes and best practice.
• Promote customer satisfaction, good work practices and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations and report indicators to the EHS team.
• Cover for other team members as needed and carry out other reasonable duties requested by management.
• Adhere to the Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

• City & Guilds Mechanical installation or equivalent.
• Steam qualification or equivalent time served.
• Experience maintaining steam boilers, LTHW boilers, HVAC and planned preventive maintenance.
• Installation and fault‑finding experience; some controls experience.
• IT literacy.
• Ability to work in a busy environment to tight deadlines.

Life assurance, PMI, bonus, career development, training opportunities, free onsite parking, subsidised staff room, pay for participation on volunteer days, on‑site team building, charity fundraising days, employee engagement programs.

1st year:
Company 5% + Employee 4%; after 3 years:
Company 9% + Employee 1%.

26 days + 8 public holidays.

Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Disabled/Vet. If you require special assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please email

Eastchurch, Canterbury, Folkestone, Eythorne, East Street – United Kingdom.