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).
• 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:
• Must be a native speaker of the local language for the project location.
• Good in written and spoken English (outside UK).
• 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.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

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