Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering projects in food manufacturing, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Established FMCG organisation with global operations.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, immediate start, and impactful project experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in food safety and production efficiency while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in food manufacturing processes required.
The Interim Project Engineer will play a critical role in delivering engineering, capital, and improvement projects that support safe, efficient, and reliable food manufacturing operations. The role is based in Gateshead and requires a hands-on approach to ensure project goals are achieved effectively and efficiently.
Key responsibilities for this interim Project Engineer role include:
- Lead end to end planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects (capex & opex) within scope, budget, and timeline.
- Develop project scopes, feasibility studies, business cases, and ROI calculations.
- Create and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
- Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including risk assessments, drawings, change controls, and commissioning reports.
- Develop engineering specifications, layouts, P&IDs, and equipment selection aligned with hygiene and food safety requirements.
- Oversee installation, integration, and validation of new equipment, process lines, utilities, and automation systems.
- Ensure engineering work complies with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, BRCGS), as well as relevant legislation (H&S, machinery directive, environmental).
- Manage commissioning and performance testing to verify functionality and compliance.
- Identify and deliver improvements in process efficiency, energy usage, reliability, and product quality.
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to support operational teams.
- Ensure all engineering activities comply with H&S legislation, PUWER, LOLER, ATEX, and site safety standards.
- Develop and maintain project-related risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.
- Embed hygienic design principles into all project work.
- Act as the project engineering contact with production, technical, maintenance, quality, and external partners.
- Manage contractor performance, inductions, site access, and compliance with contractor control processes.
- Provide clear technical communication to all stakeholders, adapting detail to audience as needed.
- Prepare capex proposals, secure approvals, and track spend accurately.
- Source equipment and services, obtain competitive quotations, and manage vendor relationships.
- Negotiate contracts, warranties, service agreements, and technical support terms.
A successful Interim Project Engineer should have:
- Degree or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering (or related discipline).
- Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, production equipment, utilities, and hygienic design.
- Experience with:
- process design, line integration, and equipment installation
- control systems/automation (PLC, SCADA, instrumentation)
- utilities: steam, compressed air, refrigeration, effluent, HVAC
- CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) and project management tools
- H&S legislation (HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, RIDDOR)
- machinery safety directives & CE/UKCA marking
- environmental compliance and waste/energy management
Job Offer:
- Competitive daily rate of £400-£550, depending on experience and IR35 status.
- Opportunity to work on a broad range of impactful projects in the FMCG industry.
- Immediate start, 3-6 month contract.
- Site based role in Gateshead.
Engineer or Project Engineer in Devon employer: Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer or Project Engineer in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, volunteer for projects or internships that align with engineering roles. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that employers love to see.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals, especially in areas like project management and compliance with food safety standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer or Project Engineer in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Engineer role. Highlight your experience with engineering projects, especially in food manufacturing, and showcase your skills in planning, execution, and compliance with safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description, and don't forget to express your enthusiasm for working in the FMCG industry!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Include details about your experience with CAD software, control systems, and any relevant engineering frameworks like HACCP or GMP. This will help us understand your capabilities right off the bat.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and process engineering principles. Be ready to discuss how these apply to food manufacturing processes and the specific projects you've worked on in the past.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led engineering projects from start to finish. Highlight your experience with planning, budgeting, and managing timelines, as well as any tools you’ve used like CAD software or project management platforms.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with HACCP, GMP, and BRCGS standards. Be prepared to explain how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach safety in your engineering projects.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that’s easy for non-engineers to understand. This will be crucial when discussing projects with stakeholders from different departments, so think about how you can adapt your communication style.