Project Engineer

J3A Recruitment; Slough; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commercial vehicle provided

40-hour working week

Site-based and Newbury office

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

J3A Recruitment is seeking a Project Engineer for a growing SME delivering water sector projects across the Thames Water portfolio. You’ll own projects from planning through installation and handover, coordinating engineers, designers, contractors and clients.

You’ll review drawings, develop schedules, manage procurement and track progress while maintaining safety and budget discipline. A proactive, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to organise competing deadlines are essential for

Qualifications

• Experience as a Project Engineer or delivery role, preferably in water/utilities.
• Confidence interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Strong organisation, communication and coordination skills.
• Understanding of site safety, installation and commissioning.
• SSSTS or SMSTS would be advantageous; training support may be available.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multiple projects, monitor programmes and milestones and align engineers, designers, contractors, suppliers and clients.
• Review drawings and specifications, challenge technical issues and support design changes.
• Develop and update project schedules and coordinate procurement, manufacture, construction and installation.
• Prepare technical reports, risk assessments, method statements and progress records.
• Engage suppliers, review equipment specs, track deliveries and resolve issues.
• Visit sites to inspect installations, support testing and handover.
• Maintain awareness of labour, materials and subcontractor costs against budgets.

Skills

Project coordination

Engineering drawings

Communication

Site safety

Budget awareness

Job description

PROJECT ENGINEER

Water Infrastructure | Thames Water Projects | Up to £56,500 + Commercial Vehicle

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Project Engineer to join an established, growing SME delivering engineering projects across the water sector. With a strong pipeline of secured and upcoming work, this is a chance to take genuine ownership of projects, work closely with experienced colleagues and develop your career as the business grows.

Projects typically range from £50,000 through to £1m-£2m, covering mechanical, electrical and associated civils packages. You'll be involved from planning and technical coordination through installation, commissioning and handover, with the variety and responsibility that comes from working in a close-knit engineering team.

The role

• Coordinate multiple projects, monitor programmes and milestones, chair or attend progress meetings and keep engineers, designers, contractors, suppliers and clients aligned.
• Review engineering drawings, calculations and specifications, challenge technical issues and support design changes while maintaining compliance with client requirements and applicable standards.
• Develop and update project schedules, identify delays and coordinate design, procurement, manufacture, construction and installation activities.
• Prepare and maintain technical reports, risk assessments, method statements, inspection and test records, design reviews, change requests and progress reports.
• Engage suppliers and subcontractors, review equipment and material specifications, track deliveries and resolve technical or programme issues.
• Visit sites to inspect installations, support testing and commissioning, investigate problems and assist with handover.
• Maintain commercial awareness of labour hours, materials, subcontractor costs, variations and budgets against actual spend.

What you'll bring

• Experience in a Project Engineer, Mechanical Project Engineer or related engineering delivery role, ideally in water, wastewater, utilities or process engineering.
• Confidence interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation, with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Good organisation, communication and coordination skills, including the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Understanding of site safety, installation, commissioning and contractor management.
• A proactive attitude, willingness to take ownership and the resilience to deliver in a busy project environment.
• SSSTS or SMSTS would be advantageous; training support may be available.

What's on offer

• Salary up to £56,500, depending on experience.
• Commercial vehicle provided.
• 40-hour working week; site-based and Newbury office involvement (working pattern to be confirmed).
• Varied projects from £50k to approximately £2m, with an established pipeline of further work.
• Real scope for development, increased responsibility and career progression within a growing SME.
• Supportive, hands-on team where your contribution will be visible and valued.