Project Engineer in Leicester

NES Fircroft are currently recruiting Project Engineers on behalf of a client for some massive expansion projects at a manufacturing centre in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
These are long-term contract opportunities (up to 2028 initially) with option for Limited Company Outside IR35 contracts. Mon-Fri (8am-5pm) though working time can change during different project phases. Potential for Hybrid working during initial phases but will require on-site working during installation phases etc.
Role Overview
This initiative requires skilled external project engineers to manage projects from design through to commissioning and start-up. To successfully execute engineering projects by overseeing technical development & management, planning, on-site installation, and ensuring adherence to budget, timeline, and risk parameters in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Area Lead or Engineering Project Lead, the External Project Engineer will be responsible for:
Technical Design, Layout & Engineering Management:
Layout & Facility Design: Develop and optimize engineering layouts and spatial arrangements for process/packaging lines and auxiliary areas (only for Process, excluded for Electrical/Automation and IT Engineers). Machine Design & Supplier Collaboration: Partner closely with equipment suppliers on custom machine designs, adaptations, modifications, and integrations. Technical Solution Evaluation: Proactively identify engineering solutions and critically evaluate/judge third-party or vendor-proposed technical concepts. P&ID & Process Flow Development/Review: Draft, review, update, and validate Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), process flow diagrams (PFDs), and mass/energy balances to ensure adherence to process standards and hygienic design principles (only for Process, excluded for Electrical/Automation and IT Engineers). Electrical & Controls Verification: Review and audit electrical schematics, single-line diagrams (SLDs), panel layouts, and automation architectures provided by designers/vendors to ensure full compliance with project objectives, safety standards, and operational requirements (only for Electrical/Automation Engineer). Technical Scope & Specification Preparation: Author comprehensive User Requirement Specifications (URS), functional design specifications (FDS), technical scopes of work (SOW), and equipment data sheets for tendering and contractor execution packages. Design Reviews & Approvals: Review, validate, and sign off on technical specifications, multidisciplinary engineering packages, supplier design submittals against Mars standards. Documentation & As-Built Verification: Maintain accurate, up-to-date engineering documentation, version control, and verify final as-built drawings (CAD, P&IDs, electrical schematics and etc.) upon project completion.
Project Planning & Procurement:
Define detailed project scope, work breakdown structures, and execution schedules (using MS Project). Support procurement activities, tender packages (RFPs/RFQs), supplier bid technical evaluations, and scope alignment.
On-Site Installation, Safety & Commissioning:
Supervise all on-site installation work, strictly enforcing Mars Safety and Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) standards. Issue and manage work permits (daily permits, hot works, work at height, confined spaces). Plan, manage, and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), ramp-up, and final handover.
Project Governance, Budget & Stakeholder Management:
Track project KPIs, budget spend, and milestone timelines, proactively mitigating risks of overruns or delays. Lead technical problem-solving on-site and deliver structured progress reports to project stakeholders.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Core Technical Specializations:
Utilities / Civil / Building
Experience Level:
5+ years of hands-on, on-site field engineering experience. 3+ years of experience specifically as a Project Engineer managing similar-scale projects. Proven experience managing and auditing designs from third-party firms.
Industry Knowledge:
Deep expertise in the Food Manufacturing or FMCG sectors. Strong knowledge of hygienic design, food safety standards (HACCP, GMP), and compliance.
Language & Tools:
Good in written and spoken English Proficiency with CAD software and MS Project.
Soft Skills:
Strong stakeholder and contractor management abilities. Very good communication, teamwork, and analytical problem-solving skills. Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work autonomously.
TPBN1_UKTJ