Mechanical Process Design Engineer

DATS Recruitment Ltd; Widnes; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

28 days annual leave

Company pension

Health cash plan

Enhanced maternity/paternity benefits

Career development

Job summary

DATS Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Mechanical Process Design Engineer in Widnes to join a multi-disciplinary team delivering turnkey process systems across food, beverage, FMCG and process industries.

You will design, develop and deliver mechanical process systems from concept to commissioning, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, automation and project engineering teams to ensure high-quality installations and safe, compliant operation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent required.
• Experience in mechanical process design for FMCG, food & beverage or related industries.
• Experience producing PFDs and P&IDs.
• Knowledge of fluid handling systems and equipment selection.
• Experience with 3D CAD and design documentation.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce mechanical process designs for projects.
• Develop PFDs and P&IDs.
• Perform calculations: pipe sizing, flow, pressure drop, pump head, vessel sizing, heat exchangers.
• Specify and select pumps, valves, vessels and related equipment.
• Carry out site surveys and gather design information.
• Support project costing and quotation preparation.
• Collaborate with 3D design teams on plant layouts.
• Assess constructability, maintainability and performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support commissioning and handover.
• Build relationships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Navisworks

Job description

Mechanical Process Design Engineer

Location: Widnes, Cheshire, Permanent, Full Time

We’re currently looking for an experienced Mechanical Process Design Engineer to join a well‑established engineering business delivering turnkey solutions across the food, beverage, FMCG and process industries.

Working within a multi‑disciplinary Technical & Design team, you will be responsible for the design, development and delivery of mechanical process systems from initial concept through to commissioning and project completion.

The Role

As a Mechanical Process Design Engineer, you will play a key role in developing innovative process solutions, preparing detailed engineering designs and supporting project delivery across multiple sectors.

You will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, automation and project engineering teams to deliver high‑quality process installations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce mechanical process designs for a range of engineering projects.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and detailed Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Perform engineering calculations including:
  • Pipe sizing
  • Flow rates
  • Pressure drop calculations
  • Pump head calculations
  • Vessel sizing
  • Heat exchanger selection
• Specify and select process equipment including pumps, valves, vessels and associated plant.
• Carry out site surveys and gather design information when required.
• Support project costing, pricing and quotation preparation.
• Work closely with 3D design teams to review and develop plant layouts and detailed models.
• Assess constructability, maintainability and operational performance of proposed designs.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Support projects through commissioning and final handover.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Mechanical Engineering qualification (Degree, HND, HNC or equivalent).
• Strong background in mechanical process design within manufacturing, FMCG, food & beverage, utilities or related process industries.
• Experience producing P&IDs and process engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of fluid handling systems and process plant design.
• Experience carrying out engineering calculations and equipment selection.
• Understanding of relevant engineering standards and regulations.
• Good CAD awareness and ability to review engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Desirable

• Experience within liquids processing environments.
• Knowledge of hygienic process systems.
• Experience using AutoCAD, Navisworks or similar design software.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Experience supporting project pricing and tender submissions.

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid working options
• 28 days annual leave
• Company pension scheme
• Health cash plan with discounted gym membership
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
• Company sick pay (following qualifying period)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business
• Exposure to high‑profile UK and international projects

This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Process Design Engineer seeking a varied role with genuine career progression and involvement in complex, high‑value engineering projects from concept through to completion.

Please note: This is a UK permanent role, and candidates will require existing eligibility to work in the UK to be considered for this role.