At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading company in the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering sector.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work onsite in Lancaster with a focus on continuous improvement and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience required.
Location: Lancaster, UK
Contract Duration: 12 Months
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Working Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Rate: £28-£33 per hour
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Project Lead with a strong background in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure product and process compliance, and lead cross-functional project delivery within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. This role requires robust quality assurance expertise, process improvement capability, and strong leadership skills to support multiple stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Graduate or Postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 5 - 10 years hands-on experience in Manufacturing Engineering
- Experience participating in 2-3 audits for major certifications in an individual capacity
- Green Belt certification in any Quality initiative is advantageous
- Strong knowledge of varied manufacturing processes
- Solid understanding of concessions, containment procedures, and traceability techniques
- Skilled in data collection and analysis using 7 QC tools and SPC techniques
- Experience with Lean principles and 5S management
- Exposure to the Aerospace or Automotive industry preferred
- Awareness of key quality standards including AS9100, OHSAS, TS 16949, and various ISO frameworks
Key Responsibilities
- Quality & Compliance
- Establish and maintain quality standards and product compliance aligned with customer and regulatory expectations
- Review and interpret specifications, standards, and compliance requirements
- Support non-conformance investigations, applying structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, RCA)
- Process & Project Leadership
- Develop, evaluate, and enhance workflows, operating procedures, and control documents
- Oversee operational support activities and troubleshoot technical issues
- Lead requirement gathering, project planning, execution, and closure for assigned initiatives
- Participate in weekly/monthly project reviews and contribute to effective risk management
- Cross-functional Engagement
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, partners, and technical specialists
- Represent management in customer meetings, presenting operational KPIs and project updates
- Build and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive cost reduction, waste elimination, and operational efficiency improvements
- Lead improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes, products, equipment, and quality
- Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions using QC tools and SPC
Key Leadership Competencies & Soft Skills
- Excellent English communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong customer focus and stakeholder engagement
- Effective problem-solving and logical-thinking capabilities
- High level of proactivity and ownership
Project Lead - Contract in Lancaster employer: SC ENGINEERING
As a Project Lead in Lancaster, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to operational excellence within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. Our company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, offering robust professional development opportunities and a supportive work atmosphere that values collaboration and quality. With competitive rates and a commitment to employee growth, we provide an exceptional platform for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Lead - Contract in Lancaster
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like SC ENGINEERING.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like SC ENGINEERING love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of SC ENGINEERING and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Lead - Contract in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for SC ENGINEERING and the Project Lead - Contract role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at SC ENGINEERING
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at SC ENGINEERING.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at SC ENGINEERING.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with SC ENGINEERING, making you a more appealing candidate.
