Project Engineer

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).

Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.
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. xwzovoh
Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work autonomously.