Mechanical Process Design Engineer

DATS Recruitment; Widnes; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

28 days annual leave

Company pension

Health cash plan

Enhanced parental benefits

Sick pay

Additional annual leave

Career development

Exposure to international projects

Job summary

DATS Recruitment is looking for a Mechanical Process Design Engineer in Widnes to join a diverse engineering team delivering turnkey solutions across food, beverage, FMCG and process industries.

The role focuses on developing innovative process solutions, producing detailed designs and supporting delivery from concept through to site commissioning on UK and international projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level mechanical engineering background with hands‑on design experience.
• Experience producing P&IDs and process documentation.
• Strong understanding of fluid handling and process plant design.
• Familiarity with industry standards and safe design practices.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical process systems from concept to commissioning.
• Produce PFDs and P&IDs for multiple projects.
• Perform pipe sizing, flow, pressure drop and pump head calculations.
• Specify equipment, pumps and valves for process systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimise layouts.
• Support project costing, bidding and client liaison.
• Review 3D models and plant layouts with design teams.
• Assess constructability, maintainability and operational performance.
• Support commissioning and handover activities.
• Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

PFDs & P&IDs

Process plant design

CAD design review

Project delivery

Education

BEng Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Navisworks

Job description

If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.

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. This role offers the opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging projects for major UK and international clients.

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.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 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.