Mechanical Engineering Inspectors

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering InspectorsDepartment: Melt Shop or Cold Rolled Products (CRP)Location: Port Talbot (SA13)Salary: £38,495 plus BenefitsClosing Date: Wednesday 28th January 2026Interviews will take place in the week commencing 2nd February 2026

We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.

Due to ongoing operational requirements, multiple opportunities have arisen for Inspectors within the Engineering function at Port Talbot, supporting either the Melt Shop or Cold Rolled Products (CRP) departments.

What you will do

As an Inspector, you will play a key role in maintaining plant reliability and asset performance by leading inspections across your area of responsibility. You will ensure defects are identified, prioritised and resolved effectively to minimise downtime, improve asset availability and support safe, reliable operations.

Working closely with operational teams, engineers and contractors, you will develop a detailed understanding of plant condition and performance, using inspection data and first-principles engineering to drive continuous improvement in maintenance effectiveness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Carrying out detailed running and shutdown inspections to maintain a strong understanding of plant condition and performance.
• Identifying, prioritising and resolving defects, either directly or through coordination with shift teams, engineering colleagues or contractors.
• Maintaining and refining maintenance strategies within SAP, ensuring accurate records, histories and job plans.
• Supporting failure investigations and implementing practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Providing first-line technical expertise for the assigned area, supporting operations outside of shift teams.
• Contributing to maintenance planning and execution for shutdowns and maintenance stops, ensuring assets are returned to service fully commissioned and stable.
• Ensuring maintenance activities are carried out safely, including effective use of Permit to Work systems.
• Coaching and supporting others to develop engineering capability and uphold high operational standards.

What you will need

You will have a strong engineering background, supported by a served apprenticeship and ONC/OND or equivalent qualifications. You will bring a sound understanding of engineering first principles and experience working within a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.

You will be confident in fault-finding and problem-solving, with the ability to diagnose issues, prioritise defects and contribute to practical, cost-effective solutions. Experience using a computerised maintenance management system such as SAP is important, along with the discipline to maintain accurate records and maintenance histories.

Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves regular interaction with operators, engineers, planners and contractors. You will take a proactive, safety-focused approach to your work, with the confidence to make decisions, escalate issues appropriately and support safe, reliable plant operation.

For a full job description or if you’d like an informal discussion, please contact: Jon.Taylor@tatasteeleurope.com

What we can offer you

Tata Steel UK offers their employees significant benefits packages. For this role, you will benefit from:

• A market competitive salary
• 35 days holidays per annum
• Annual Pay Review
• Bonus Scheme – subject to business performance
• Ongoing Tata Steel training, which has built a reputation as one of the best within the industry
• One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)

We also have an extensive list of lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.

Why us?

Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.

Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.

Tata Steel in the UK is committed to our ambition of reducing energy consumption and to becoming a carbon neutral steelmaker by 2045, to find out more about our journey click here Stoves cooking less carbon – YouTube