Mechanical Engineer & Press Technician – Leicester

Competitive Salary + Career Progression + Competitive Company Pension + Excellent Health/Wellness Benefits

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Mechanical Engineer/Press Technician to join our growing knitwear manufacturing site in Leicester.

This unique hybrid role combines mechanical engineering expertise with hands-on garment finishing responsibilities. Working within a luxury manufacturing environment, you will play a key role in ensuring equipment reliability, minimising downtime, maintaining exceptional product quality, and supporting the continued growth of our Leicester facility.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing operation where you will receive specialist training, develop niche technical skills, and contribute to the development of a world-class knitwear manufacturing facility.

Who is Barrie Knitwear?

Barrie Knitwear is a globally renowned fashion manufacturer, celebrated for combining exceptional technical expertise with traditional craftsmanship to create complex couture cashmere garments. Based in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, we have over 100 years of heritage and proudly supply some of the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. As we continue to grow and transform, this is an exciting time to join our team.

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining factory equipment to a high standard while ensuring garments are pressed and finished to luxury quality. Key duties summarised below:

• Service, maintain and optimise knitwear finishing machinery and production equipment

• Carry out fault-finding, diagnostics and repairs to minimise downtime

• Maintain and repair specialist textile production and garment finishing equipment

• Receive specialist training at our Scottish Borders headquarters and, where required, with leading European machinery manufacturers

• Operate pressing equipment to finish knitwear garments to luxury standards

• Ensure garment shape, handle and presentation meet exact client specifications

• Work closely with linking, finishing and quality teams to resolve production and finishing issues

• Maintain pressing equipment to ensure consistent performance and quality output

• Maintain a safe, clean and organised working environment

• Carry out general maintenance and repairs to fixtures, fittings and workstations

• Support factory layout changes and workstation installations as the site evolves

• Assist with the installation and commissioning of new equipment

• Conduct routine equipment inspections and health & safety checks

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency and quality

What will you bring to the role?

Key Skills & Experience

• Previous experience working with industrial sewing/linking machinery or within textile/manufacturing environments (preferred)

• Strong mechanical engineering and maintenance background

• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical faults efficiently

• Good understanding of factory health & safety requirements

• High attention to detail with a strong focus on quality

• A proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to support across functions

• Flexibility to travel for specialist training when required

• Experience with textile finishing and pressing equipment

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance systems

• Basic electrical fault-finding capability

• Strong problem-solving and organisational skills

What benefits can you expect?

• Flexible working options (role dependent)

• 33 days annual leave (including public holidays)

• Early finish on Fridays

• Flexible benefits scheme (including Cycle to Work and gym discounts)

• Time Off in Lieu scheme

• Employer pension contribution

• Life assurance Scheme

• Health & wellbeing programme (including health cash plan)

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and join a world-class manufacturing team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply via our Teamtailor platform and we’ll be in touch to guide you through the next steps.