Job Description

We are currently looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Research and Development Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The Scientific Research and Innovation Group’s Research & Development function delivers statutory mandated strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research that is applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines.

Standards Lifecycle produce the MHRA biological reference materials. Marketed using the NIBSC brand, the Agency is a global leader in the standardisation and control of biological medicines and related diagnostic tests and is responsible for developing and producing over 90% of the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Standards in use around the world to assure the quality of these important products.

What’s the role?

T he post holder’s duties may vary with the needs of Manufacturing, and the strategic objectives of the SR&I group, but the main responsibilities will include ensuring effective & efficient operation of precision Manufacturing equipment including change overs, equipment set-up, breakdowns & repairs, re-validation/qualification of equipment, organising & maintaining maintenance & calibration schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure the effective & efficient operation of precision manufacturing equipment: filling machines and freeze dryers.

Co-ordinate and supervise the planned preventative maintenance programme for the specialist plant and equipment.

Investigate and respond to faults, and unscheduled tasks as they occur, on a priority basis and propose solutions as to how the fault can be rectified so that operations continue to function safely.

Provide 24/7 out of hours cover, on a rota basis and be able to make informed decisions and instigate and / or carry out the necessary actions to ensure that equipment runs as expected e.g. freeze dryers and cold rooms, and that products are processed and stored according to agreed out of hours policies and procedures.

Who are we looking for?

Our Successful Candidate Will

Ensure the effective & efficient operation of precision manufacturing equipment: filling machines and freeze dryers.
Co-ordinate and supervise the planned preventative maintenance programme for the specialist plant and equipment.
Investigate and respond to faults, and unscheduled tasks as they occur, on a priority basis and propose solutions as to how the fault can be rectified so that operations continue to function safely.
Provide 24/7 out of hours cover, on a rota basis and be able to make informed decisions and instigate and / or carry out the necessary actions to ensure that equipment runs as expected e.g. freeze dryers and cold rooms, and that products are processed and stored according to agreed out of hours policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria

Delivering at Pace (A, I)
Developing Self and Others (A, I)
Working Together (A, I)

Experience Criteria

Significant experience in a Maintenance or Building Services environment, preferably with experience of containment laboratories (A)

Experience supervising contractors, apprentices, temps, new starters (A)

Experience working on a range of mechanical systems including working to and updating of associated documentation (risk assessments, SOPs) such as air handling systems, clean rooms, building management systems, autoclaves, pumps, maintaining up to date drawings, carrying out effective PPM to a schedule, working in hazardous/regulated environments (A)

Experience working and supervising others to work in compliance with permits, risk assessments and method statements (A)

Experience working within a Quality Management System such as GMP / ISO9001 (A)

Experience identifying and implementing improved ways of working for process, self and team

Ability to investigate problems, identify solutions and implement changes, calling on external expertise as required (A, I)

Ability to prioritise work for self and others to ensure that the most critical and urgent is dealt with in a timely manner to ensure that the area remains safe and functioning (A, I)

Technical Criteria

Minimum NVQ Level 2 or BTEC or City & Guilds Craft Certificate in a relevant mechanical subject or equivalent, and practical experience in a relevant environment e.g. containment laboratories, clean rooms or equivalent experience (A, I)
Practical, productive and mechanical engineering skills (controls and PLC knowledge would be useful but not essential) with adequate technical supervisory knowledge so as to be able to work on their own proficiently and carry out work without immediate supervision; be able to set out jobs from drawings and specifications and requisition the necessary installation materials; be able to accept responsibility for the proper completion of jobs and, if required, supervise others (A, I)
Ability to develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of regulations relevant to installations, relevant statutory and British standards and Codes of Practice, and safety regulations including: COSHH, Manual Handling, Risk Assessments & Method statements for work within own field of experience (A, I)

Ability to utilise MS Excel and Word (A, I)

Experience of using building management alarm and PPM systems advantageous (A, I)

Excellent written communication skills (A, I)

Good ability to complete thorough risk assessments and SOPs (A, I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification !

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The Selection Process

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here .

Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Experience working on a range of mechanical systems.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our

candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: 10 th May 2026

Shortlisting date: from 15 th May 2026

Interview date: from 3 rd June 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here .

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks .

Role

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here .

Individu

als appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk .

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the MHRA Recruitment Team at careers@mhra.gov.uk .

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

info@csc.gov.uk

Civil Service Commission

Room G/8

1 Horse Guards Road

London

SW1A 2HQ

About Us

ABOUT US

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The agency is made up of c.1300 staff working across two main centres and peripatetically across the UK and abroad.

The agency consists of Corporate, Digital & Technology, Enablement, Healthcare Quality & Access, Partnerships, Safety & Surveillance and Scientific Research & Innovation.

Manufacturing Engineer

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