DS Smith
Mechanical Craft Engineer

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Mechanical Craft Engineer
Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
Kemsley Paper Mill (Sittingbourne)
£58,000
About The Role
We are looking for a skilled and proactive Mechanical Maintenance Engineer to join the Engineering team at our Kemsley Paper Mill. This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the largest and most advanced paper mills in the UK, supporting the reliability and performance of high-speed manufacturing and processing equipment.
Working on a continental 4 on / 4 off shift rota, you will play a key role in ensuring plant availability, minimising downtime, and delivering safe, efficient maintenance across the site.
Key Responsibilities
Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities across site machinery and equipment Respond quickly and effectively to mechanical breakdowns Diagnose faults and implement long-term engineering solutions Support continuous improvement and reliability initiatives Work collaboratively with production and engineering teams to maximise plant performance Ensure all work is completed safely and in line with company procedures and standards Accurately complete maintenance documentation and shift reports Contribute to shutdowns, overhauls, and project work where required
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We’re Looking For
Time-served Mechanical Engineer or recognised Engineering Apprenticeship NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent Experience within a heavy manufacturing, industrial, FMCG, paper, steel, recycling, or process environment Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills Experience working with: Bearings, pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, hydraulics, pneumatics, and rotating equipment Ability to work independently and as part of a shift engineering team A strong commitment to health & safety standards
What We Can Offer You
Competitive salary Qualifying Sick Pay scheme Pension scheme & Life insurance Share Save scheme Income Protection Employee Assistance Programme Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine Cycle to Work and shopping discounts


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We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.”
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