At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation and robotics projects from design to successful customer handover.
- Company: OAL, a market leader in food manufacturing automation based in Peterborough.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, ongoing training, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of complex projects and see your work make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in automation, strong technical skills, and customer relationship management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
OAL is looking for an experienced Project Engineer to lead the delivery of automation and robotics projects for food manufacturing customers across the UK. Travel and overnight stays are a regular part of the role and flexibility is important, particularly during deployment and go-live phases.
This is a senior engineering role with full responsibility for the technical delivery of projects from initial design and pre-build through to installation, commissioning, customer handover, and ongoing operational success. You will be the lead engineer on your projects, coordinating technical resources, managing customer relationships, overseeing budgets and timelines, and ensuring systems perform reliably in live production environments.
If you enjoy taking ownership, solving complex engineering challenges, and seeing systems you have delivered running successfully on customer sites, this role offers the opportunity to manage the complete project lifecycle rather than just one part of it.
What you will be doing
- Project ownership and delivery: Lead the technical delivery of automation and robotics projects from pre-build through to customer handover and operational acceptance.
- Pre-build and factory testing: Oversee system assembly, integration, testing, and validation activities at OAL's Peterborough facility to ensure systems are fully prepared before deployment.
- Installation and commissioning: Lead on-site installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and go-live activities at customer sites across the UK.
- Customer relationship management: Act as the primary engineering contact throughout project delivery, building trusted relationships with technical teams, operations teams, and key stakeholders.
- Budget and programme management: Manage project timelines, budgets, and delivery milestones while maintaining clear communication with customers and internal teams.
- Technical problem solving: Diagnose and resolve complex engineering issues across automation systems, controls, robotics, software, and integrated technologies.
- Documentation and handover: Maintain project documentation and ensure customers receive complete training, technical information, and support during handover. Identify lessons learned and improvement opportunities to support future project delivery and product development.
What we are looking for
- At least five years' experience delivering automation, controls, robotics, or systems integration projects within industrial environments.
- Strong technical understanding across automation technologies, controls systems, industrial networking, and systems integration.
- Experience managing customer relationships, leading installations, and acting as the primary technical contact during project delivery.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex issues across multiple technologies and make sound engineering decisions under pressure.
- Experience managing project budgets, delivery schedules, resources, and competing priorities.
- Able to communicate effectively with engineers, operators, managers, and senior customer stakeholders.
Relevant technical experience may include:
- Machine vision, inspection, and verification systems
- PLC programming, commissioning, and fault finding
- Industrial robotics and robotic cell integration
- SCADA and HMI platforms including Ignition or similar technologies
- Systems integration and automation project delivery
- Industrial networking including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and fieldbus technologies
Full UK driving licence required due to regular travel to customer sites.
What you should expect from us - and what we expect from you
This is a role with genuine ownership and accountability. You will be responsible for delivering projects from workshop build through to live production. Some weeks will be spent at OAL's Peterborough facility overseeing pre-builds and testing. Other weeks will involve travel to customer sites leading installations and commissioning activities. Travel and overnight stays are a regular part of the role and flexibility is important, particularly during deployment and go-live phases.
You will be trusted to make decisions, coordinate resources, manage customer expectations, and lead projects through challenges when plans change. In return, you will have the opportunity to deliver innovative automation solutions that make a real impact within customer operations.
Salary and benefits
Competitive salary + company vehicle. Ongoing training and professional development. Career progression opportunities within a growing business.
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. Based in Peterborough, we are an innovative family business providing automation and system integration services to the food industry. We are recognised as a market leader in digital transformation, label and date code verification, and robotic powder weighing solutions. As a growing SME, we offer genuine opportunities within a fast-paced and supportive environment. If you are an experienced engineer looking to take ownership of complex automation projects and see the direct impact of your work, we would love to hear from you.
Project Engineer in Peterborough employer: Olympus Automation Limited
OAL is an exceptional employer located in Peterborough, offering a dynamic work environment where experienced Project Engineers can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities, OAL fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, allowing you to take ownership of complex automation projects that make a tangible impact in the food manufacturing industry.
Contact Details:
Olympus Automation Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Engineer in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Project Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Show them you can handle the pressure and deliver results!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at OAL and tailor your approach to highlight how your experience fits their needs. We want to see you succeed!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit for leading those automation projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Engineer in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in automation and robotics projects. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Project Engineer role. Share specific examples of past projects where you took ownership and solved complex challenges.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for strong technical understanding, so make sure to mention your experience with PLC programming, industrial networking, and any other relevant technologies. This will help us see your expertise at a glance!
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Olympus Automation Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you solved them, and the impact of your work. This will show your potential employer that you can take ownership and deliver results.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Given the technical nature of the Project Engineer role, it's crucial to be well-versed in automation technologies, controls systems, and robotics. Review relevant concepts and be prepared to answer technical questions or even troubleshoot scenarios during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Management Skills
Since managing customer relationships is key, think of examples where you've successfully built trust with clients or resolved conflicts. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
✨Show Flexibility and Problem-Solving Ability
The role requires flexibility, especially during deployment phases. Be ready to discuss times when you've adapted to changing circumstances or solved complex engineering issues under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
