Engineer - Project Engineering in Devon

Engineer - Project Engineering in Devon

Devon Temporary 40000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing

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 predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.

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
  • Understanding of food safety frameworks: HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, TACCP/VACCP.
  • Proven track record delivering multiple engineering projects in a fast paced manufacturing environment, including strong planning, scheduling, risk management, and organisational skills.
  • Ability to manage contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Capex/budget management and commercial awareness.
  • Familiarity with:
    • H&S legislation (HASAWA, PUWER, LOLER, RIDDOR)
    • machinery safety directives & CE/UKCA marking
    • environmental compliance and waste/energy management
  • Ability to produce safe work systems, RAMS, and project safety plans.
  • Excellent communication with the ability to influence across functions.
  • Strong problem solving skills and engineering curiosity.
  • Resilience and adaptability in a highly dynamic production environment.
  • Collaborative team player able to drive change positively.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
  • 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 - Project Engineering in Devon employer: Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing

    As a leading player in the food manufacturing FMCG industry, our company offers an exceptional work environment in Gateshead, where innovation and safety are at the forefront of our operations. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth through diverse project opportunities and hands-on experience, ensuring that our engineers can make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers. With competitive rates and a commitment to employee well-being, we provide a unique platform for those looking to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
    Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing

    Contact Detail:

    Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Engineer - Project Engineering in Devon

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work in engineering roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Get hands-on! If you can, volunteer for projects or internships related to project engineering. 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 brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled challenges. Remember, they want to see your problem-solving skills in action!

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by hiring managers who are looking for the right fit.

    We think you need these skills to ace Engineer - Project Engineering in Devon

    Project Management
    Engineering Specifications
    Food Safety Standards (HACCP, GMP, BRCGS)
    Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
    Risk Management
    Process Design
    Control Systems/Automation (PLC, SCADA)
    CAD Software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks)
    Budget Management
    Contract Negotiation
    Communication Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Adaptability
    Team Collaboration

    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. Share specific examples of past projects you've led, focusing on your hands-on approach and how you’ve delivered results within budget and timelines.

    Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills! Whether it’s CAD software, control systems, or your knowledge of food safety frameworks, make sure we see how your expertise aligns with our needs.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing

    ✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

    Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of engineering projects the company undertakes. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with capex and opex projects, and how you've successfully managed timelines and budgets.

    ✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards

    Since this role is in food manufacturing, it's crucial to be well-versed in food safety frameworks like HACCP and GMP. Prepare examples of how you've ensured compliance in past projects, as this will show your commitment to safety and quality.

    ✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

    Be prepared to talk about your experience with CAD software and control systems. Bring specific examples of how you've used these tools in project execution, and be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

    ✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

    Effective communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to adapt your communication style for different stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate across functions.

    Engineer - Project Engineering in Devon
    Michael Page Engineering & Manufacturing
    Location: Devon

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