Project Design Engineer

Whitworths Limited; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nutrition company in Wellingborough seeks a Project Design Engineer to lead critical site projects. You'll design and deliver complex capital projects that enhance efficiency and support innovation. Ideal candidates have strong experience in mechanical and electrical design, are proficient with AutoCAD, and are familiar with Health & Safety protocols. Join a mission-driven team that values your contributions and offers competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

33 Days Holiday

Workplace Pension

Health and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• Strong experience designing mechanical and electrical distribution systems for production lines.
• Proven ability to deliver capital projects from concept to completion.
• Familiarity with Health & Safety in an FMCG/manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed mechanical and electrical layouts for electrical distribution systems.
• Support the installation of systems for new production lines.
• Prepare robust investment proposals and manage budgets.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

Electrical distribution systems

Project management

Organizational skills

Health & Safety compliance

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Role

Join Whitworths as a Project Design Engineer.

Power Innovation. Deliver Results. Build the Future of Better Nutrition.

Are you a CAD-savvy design engineer with a passion for hands-on problem solving and end-to-end project delivery? Do you want to see your ideas come to life in a high-impact, purpose-led business? If so, Whitworths wants to hear from you.

Ready to take your engineering skills from the drawing board to real-world impact? At Whitworths, we’re looking for a Project Design Engineer to lead critical site projects—from developing detailed electrical and mechanical designs to supporting hands-on installations that fuel our growth. This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger: engineering that feeds the nation.

Your Mission

As our Project Design Engineer, you’ll bring energy, mechanical and electrical expertise, and precision to every stage of the project lifecycle. You’ll be trusted to design and deliver complex capital projects that improve efficiency, scale capacity, and support innovation across our food manufacturing site. From concept design and layout planning through to supporting installation, your designs will power Whitworths’ next phase of growth.

What You’ll Own

• Design with Precision: Create detailed mechanical and electrical layouts and specifications for electrical distribution systems for plant and equipment
• Be Hands-On: Actively support the installation of systems for new production lines and site equipment
• Work with the Best: Collaborate with suppliers to obtain competitive quotes and the right tech for the job
• Drive the Business Case: Prepare robust investment proposals, timelines, and cost breakdowns
• Own the Project Lifecycle: From concept to commissioning—develop critical paths, manage budgets, and hit milestones
• Lead Safely: Manage contractors, issue permits to work, and enforce high Health & Safety standards
• Track Progress: Keep everyone aligned with regular updates and clear reporting to the Head of Engineering
• Stay Organised: Maintain up-to-date project records, documentation, and administrative systems

Exciting Projects You’ll Help Power

• Implementation of advanced nut production lines and volumetric seed feeders
• Upgrades across site infrastructure—from roadways to electrical upgrades
• Installation of checkweighers, labellers, case tapers and other smart tech
• Supporting heat treatment technology for nuts
• New warehouse upgrade for increased storage facilities
• Site-wide review of jaws and tube filling capabilities

What You’ll Bring

Must-Haves:

• Strong experience designing mechanical and electrical distribution systems for multi-supplier production lines
• Proven ability to deliver capital projects from concept to completion
• Familiarity with Health & Safety in an FMCG/manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project and AutoCAD
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Financial awareness—able to plan, monitor and report against project budgets
• Exceptional organisational skills—able to prioritise and manage multiple deadlines

Nice-to-Haves:

• Previous experience in food manufacturing
• A mindset for continuous improvement and innovation

About Us

We’re on an exciting mission here at Whitworths – to help boost the nutrient intake of the nation, improving general health of families using the goodness found in our delicious products. We’re the only brand that gives a credibly nutritious boost to breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, baking and beyond.

Why Join Whitworths?

There are countless reasons to join our team, but the most compelling is having a job you love with a company you’re proud to work for.

Here’s what we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• 33 Days Holiday
• Workplace Pension
• Access to a range of family-friendly, health, and lifestyle benefits.

We are committed to investing in our people—developing skills, providing growth opportunities, and fostering a culture of support. Our recent Investors in People accreditation is a testament to our dedication to our team.

Apply Now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you and you have the skills and experience required to excel as a Project Engineer, click ‘Apply’ now! We look forward to receiving your application. Rest assured, all applications will receive a response.

Our Commitment

Whitworths is fully committed to eradicating modern slavery within our business and supply chain. Our modern slavery statement is available on our website. If you have any concerns, please contact the Salvation Army Human Trafficking Helpline (0300 303 8151) or the Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700).