At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative solutions for lithium-ion battery recycling projects.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm based in Manchester with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with industry experts and grow your engineering career.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge project that makes a real difference in the environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in chemical sector, strong CAD skills, and practical engineering experience.
We are supporting a client based in Manchester city centre with a requirement for a Process Design Engineer holding at least 5 years chemical sector experience. Fairly immediate starts are required and this will operate on a temporary contract basis around 3-6 months although further extensions may be possible. This will be to support the Lead Process Engineer in drafting drawings, performing mechanical calculations, contacting suppliers with proposals and quotations, and other duties as described below. This is an outside IR35 contract role with rates negotiable and commensurate with prior level of experience. This will be entirely office based with no room for hybrid working. Candidates must possess existing eligibility to work in the UK without need for further sponsorship.
We are looking for a practical, delivery-focused Project Design Engineer to support the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a hydrometallurgical lithium-ion battery recycling demonstrator. The role suits someone with strong CAD and mechanical/process plant design experience who is comfortable taking work from an initial process requirement through to an engineered, installed and operational solution. You will work closely with the Lead Process Engineer, equipment suppliers, fabricators, electrical and control contractors, automation specialists and site operations. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring ownership, sound technical judgement and a willingness to resolve problems as the project develops.
Key responsibilities:
- Assisting with process plant layouts, equipment arrangements, fabrication drawings and installation details.
- Produce and maintain 2D and 3D CAD models of vessels, tanks, pipework, platforms and associated plant equipment.
- Translate process requirements, PFDs and P&IDs into practical mechanical designs.
- Take responsibility for defined equipment packages from concept through specification, procurement, manufacture, installation and commissioning.
- Prepare equipment datasheets, technical specifications, scopes of work and requests for quotation.
- Review supplier quotations, drawings, calculations and technical submissions.
- Coordinate interfaces between mechanical equipment, piping, electrical systems, instrumentation and automation.
- Produce bills of materials, drawing registers, equipment schedules and technical documentation.
- Monitor supplier progress, drawing approvals, delivery dates and outstanding technical information.
- Support design reviews, HAZOP, DSEAR, constructability and maintainability assessments.
- Ensure actions arising from technical and safety reviews are incorporated into the design.
- Support equipment inspections, factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing.
- Assist with commissioning plans, punch lists, defect resolution and handover documentation.
- Manage design changes and maintain accurate as-built drawings and records.
- Identify technical, programme and procurement risks early and drive them through to resolution.
- Help develop practical engineering standards and repeatable design methods for future plants.
Typical equipment and systems:
- Chemical storage, transfer and dosing systems
- Slurry pumping and solids handling
- Solid–liquid separation equipment
- Extraction ductwork, scrubbers and process off-gas systems
- Hot-water heating systems and internal or external heat exchangers
- Pumps, valves, instruments and process pipework
- Access platforms, support steelwork and equipment guarding
- PLC-controlled batch processing systems
- ATEX
Essential experience:
- Experience in mechanical, process plant or industrial equipment design.
- Strong 2D and 3D CAD capability (Solidworks).
- Experience producing general arrangements, manufacturing drawings, piping layouts and installation drawings.
- Ability to convert a process or operational requirement into a practical engineered solution.
- Experience coordinating with equipment manufacturers, fabricators and site contractors.
- Understanding of pumps, valves, tanks, vessels, pipework and mechanical equipment.
- Experience reviewing supplier drawings and managing technical comments.
- Ability to manage several work packages and priorities simultaneously.
- Good understanding of fabrication and installation methods.
- Strong attention to detail and document control.
- A delivery-focused approach, with the confidence to follow actions through to completion.
- Willingness to spend time on site and work directly with commissioning and installation teams.
Desirable experience:
- Chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, water treatment, surface treatment, minerals processing or battery recycling.
- Corrosive chemical and hazardous-area plant.
- Thermoplastic pipework and equipment.
- Stainless-steel tanks, vessels and process pipework.
- Slurry transport, filter presses and solids-handling equipment.
- Heating coils, vessel jackets and process heat exchangers.
- P&IDs, process control narratives and instrument schedules.
- HAZOP, DSEAR/ATEX, machinery safety and pressure-system design reviews.
- Relevant UK standards, including applicable BS EN, PD 5500, DVS and piping standards.
- Factory and site acceptance testing.
- Installation and commissioning of new or modified process plant.
Qualifications:
- A degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in mechanical, chemical, process, manufacturing or design engineering would be suitable.
- Relevant industrial experience and evidence of successfully delivered projects are more important than a particular academic route.
Reporting and working relationships:
The role will report to the Lead Process/Engineering Manager and work closely with:
- Process engineering
- Project management
- Operations and commissioning
- Equipment suppliers and fabricators
- Electrical, control and automation engineers
- Health, safety and environmental specialists
- Installation and maintenance contractors
Role summary:
This is not solely a desk-based CAD position. It is an engineering delivery role for someone who can design equipment and layouts, coordinate suppliers, support installation and remain accountable until the plant works as intended.
Process Design Engineer in Manchester employer: DATS Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading multidisciplinary design and build contractor in Greater London, where your role as a Project Manager will be pivotal in delivering innovative engineering solutions across various industries. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits, this company not only values your contributions but also invests in your professional development, ensuring you thrive in a supportive environment. Experience the unique advantage of working in a dynamic location that fosters creativity and teamwork, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Design Engineer in Manchester
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at DATS Recruitment Ltd that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Design Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at DATS Recruitment Ltd, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like DATS Recruitment Ltd want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what DATS Recruitment Ltd will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at DATS Recruitment Ltd
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at DATS Recruitment Ltd. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, DATS Recruitment Ltd might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at DATS Recruitment Ltd. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at DATS Recruitment Ltd, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
