At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting engineering projects to enhance manufacturing equipment and processes.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Exeter with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday work pattern, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with a focus on continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving reliability and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Engineering and experience in manufacturing or industrial settings.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
KPI Recruiting are working with an established manufacturing business in Exeter to recruit a Project Engineer to join their engineering team. This is a varied, hands-on engineering role focused on improving the reliability, availability and performance of manufacturing equipment, while supporting plant improvement and capital projects across the site.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Maintenance and Engineering teams, contractors and wider operations function to deliver engineering projects safely, efficiently and within agreed timescales and budgets.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage project plans covering equipment installation, machine moves, plant improvements and cost-reduction projects.
- Identify, specify, source and purchase new machinery, equipment and engineering solutions.
- Manage and supervise contractors, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve manufacturing methods, reliability and operational efficiency.
- Purchase parts and equipment required for improvement projects and maintain appropriate purchasing documentation.
- Carry out plant engineering activities across manufacturing equipment, buildings, services and site infrastructure.
- Analyse equipment performance and provide technical solutions to improve availability and asset utilisation.
- Identify recurring equipment failures and implement improvements to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
- Support the Maintenance team with fault-finding and troubleshooting across the manufacturing plant.
- Drive reliability improvement initiatives across critical plant and equipment.
- Create and maintain technical documentation and equipment files.
- Work closely with Production, Maintenance and Engineering teams to deliver continuous improvement projects.
About You
We are looking for an engineer with practical experience within a manufacturing or industrial engineering environment who enjoys solving problems and delivering tangible improvements. You will ideally have:
- HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls or Engineering.
- Previous experience within a manufacturing, production or industrial engineering environment.
- Experience delivering engineering, plant or equipment improvement projects.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes of recurring reliability issues.
- Experience working with contractors and external suppliers.
- Understanding of equipment reliability, maintenance and continuous improvement.
- Ability to collect and analyse equipment performance/OEE data.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience with CAD, CMMS/ERP systems, automation or Microsoft Project would be advantageous.
- A multi-skilled mechanical and electrical background would be highly desirable.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for a Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer or Reliability Engineer looking to take ownership of projects and make a measurable impact across a busy manufacturing site. You will have the opportunity to work across capital projects, plant engineering, reliability, continuous improvement and equipment optimisation, making this a varied role rather than a purely maintenance-focused position.
Project Engineer in Exeter employer: KPI Recruiting Ltd
KPI Recruiting is an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in the Engineering and Manufacturing recruitment sector. With a strong focus on employee development, our supportive work culture fosters growth through structured training and mentorship opportunities, allowing you to take ownership of your desk while being backed by a successful £45m recruitment business. Located in Sutton, you'll benefit from a vibrant community and access to a diverse range of high-value clients, making this an ideal environment for ambitious recruiters seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineer in Exeter
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like KPI Recruiting Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to KPI Recruiting Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at KPI Recruiting Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with KPI Recruiting Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like KPI Recruiting Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
