Yell Processing Engineer + Trainee
Cooke Scotland
LOCATION
Yell, Shetland
CLOSING DATE
23 October 2026
THE COMPANY
Cooke is a global seafood company with operations in North America, Europe, South America and Australia.
Our company’s success is driven by our dynamic, highly skilled and innovative management team, supported by dedicated employees who live in coastal communities and contribute to the local area’s economy and sense of community.
Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is committed to responsible and sustainable production and the delivery of high-quality products through a number of accreditations.
VACANCIES
We currently have two opportunities within our Yell Processing Engineering Department.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that’s open to fresh ideas and keen to energise the corporate brand and profile of one of Scotland’s leading aquaculture companies.
THE ROLES
YELL PROCESSING ENGINEER
We are looking for someone hands-on, proactive, and passionate about engineering to help us maintain and enhance our electrical and mechanical systems within our Yell Processing Station. No two days are the same – you’ll tackle everything from breakdowns and fault-finding to support exciting new investment projects.You will participate in factory improvement activities by working closely with both engineering and production colleagues, taking ownership of equipment areas for evaluation, and contributing to our projects from initial design to commissioning.
Qualifications/Experience Required
- Mechanical engineering or maintenance experience
- Automated machinery experience
- Welding, fabricating, pipework: stainless TIG experience would be an advantage
- Refrigeration/ice machine experience: Category 1 F-Gas would be an advantage
- General building fabric maintenance.
However, all candidates with an electrical or mechanical background will be considered.
TRAINEE ENGINEER – YELL PROCESSING
This position will consist of a combination of time spent at college and on the job experience, working alongside our experienced Engineering team. As part of the small team, you will assist your colleagues in carrying out routine maintenance within our Factory at Yell, Shetland. You will identify and repair faults with equipment and assist in any other engineering jobs as required, which may include one-off projects.
The College based training will be held at UHI Shetland, with twilight video lectures and visits to UHI North, West and Hebrides in Thurso for practical work. Entry requirements for the course are:
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in Maths or Physics, OR
- 1 A Level at grade D or above in Maths or Physics, OR
- Alternatively, NC/NQ Engineering at SCQF Level 6 or equivalent OR the completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship Engineering
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements listed above are encouraged to apply, appropriate industry related experience will be taken into consideration
On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an HNC in Engineering Systems.
SKILLS REQUIRED
All candidates must demonstrate flexibility with working hours and days, and be reliable team players who can also work independently when needed. Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication abilities are essential for success in these role.
TERMS
In return for your commitment, hard work and dedication we offer:
- Excellent terms and conditions
- Competitive salary
- 32 annual leave allowance (pro-rata)
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Company pension
- Life insurance 4 x salary
- Long service recognition
- Career development opportunities
- Regular job-related training
- Apprenticeships
- Great team morale
- Salary sacrifice schemes (cycle to work* & pension)
- Financial planning service with Advanta Wealth*
- Employee assistance programs if required
*available to employees with over 12 months service.
APPLY
If you want to be part of a team, open to fresh ideas, with the opportunity to help energise the corporate brand and profile of one of Scotland’s leading Aquaculture Companies, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please apply directly by 23 October 2026.
We are an equal opportunities employer.