Project Engineer

Proactive Global; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Project Engineer to join their innovative team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of bespoke machinery projects, from initial design to commissioning. The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing setting, strong design skills in SolidWorks, and a proactive approach to solving engineering challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to advanced material handling solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Project Engineer in manufacturing or machinery.
• Strong background in sheet metal and fabricated product design.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and BOM management.

Responsibilities

• Develop 2D/3D general arrangement drawings.
• Design bespoke machinery and conveyors.
• Own the engineering development of projects.

Skills

Project Engineering

Problem-solving

Communication

Design using SolidWorks

Fabrication experience

Education

HNC in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks (2024)

AutoCAD 2D

Job description

Location: Kettering

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Industry: Engineering / Manufacturing / Machinery

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Project Engineer to join a fast-growing engineering team working at the forefront of material handling and recycling technology. Reporting to the Head of Projects, this is a varied and hands-on role responsible for the full lifecycle of bespoke machinery projects — from initial layout through to commissioning. You will play a vital role in designing and delivering engineered systems, integrating both in-house and third-party machinery into efficient, cost-effective plant layouts. This is a brilliant opportunity for a technically minded engineer who thrives on problem-solving and takes pride in seeing projects through from concept to reality.

Responsibilities

• Develop 2D/3D general arrangement drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Design and detail bespoke machinery, conveyors, structures, and sheet metal fabrications.
• Create and release BOMs within the MRP system.
• Own the engineering development of each project from concept to commissioning.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure alignment on project goals.
• Provide technical documentation including manuals, H&S, and maintenance guides.
• Offer on-site support during installation, commissioning, and testing phases.
• Continuously improve existing designs and develop new, cost-effective solutions.
• Assist Sales during tenders with engineering support and layout reviews.
• Monitor and compare project costs vs. estimates, improving future costings and proposals.

Required Experience & Skills

• Experience as a Project Engineer in a manufacturing or machinery environment.
• Strong background in sheet metal and fabricated product design.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (2024) and AutoCAD 2D.
• Experience with special purpose machinery - ideally conveyors.
• Understanding of material flow optimisation and plant layout design.
• Familiar with ERP/MRP systems and creating/managing BOMs.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a drive to improve.
• Basic knowledge of electrical engineering is beneficial.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites as required.

Qualifications

• HNC or equivalent in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience with recycling equipment.
• Familiarity with industry and legal regulations relevant to machinery design