Project Engineer, Electrical Engineering

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.

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.

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& & 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.