Structural Project Engineer

Optima UK Inc Ltd; Desborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima UK Inc Ltd in Desborough is seeking a Structural Project Engineer to lead engineering from concept through design, release, manufacturing, testing and commissioning. You will produce 2D/3D GA drawings, integrate in-house equipment with third-party machinery, and ensure layouts maximise space and flow.

You will model and detail products in SolidWorks, create BOMs in the ERP/MRP, and work with Sales/Projects to reach Design Freeze and customer sign-off, with on-site support during

Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks and AutoCAD for GA and detailing.
• Experience with SolidSteel or Tekla.
• Structural steel design and calculations experience.
• Sheet metal and fabrication design background.
• Experience with conveyors or recycling equipment preferred.
• Ability to manage BOMs and costs within an ERP/MRP.
• Interest in AI and automation in design.
• Knowledge of make-to-order processes and regulations.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel to site.

Responsibilities

• Own engineering development from concept to commissioning.
• Produce general arrangement drawings and 3D models.
• Create BOMs and specify parts in ERP/MRP.
• Support on site during installation and testing; assist with improvements.
• Attend trade shows and explore new technologies.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

SolidSteel

Tekla

Structural design

Sheet metal fabrication

Conveyors

ERP/MRP

AI automation

Regulations

Communication

Travel to site

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

SolidSteel

Tekla

Job description

Location: Desborough

Commutable from: Kettering, Market Harborough, Corby, Rothwell, Wellingborough, Northampton

Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 per annum

Hours: Office based, full time

About the Company

This is a family-owned business with over 70 years of history, and a technology leader in recycling and materials handling. They design and manufacture high-performance recycling equipment and waste processing plants - from conveyors and screens to balers, compactors and separators - helping customers become more efficient as part of the circular economy. They are looking for a Structural Project Engineer due to huge company and site expansion.

About the Role

As Structural Project Engineer, you'll take ownership of the engineering development of projects from initial concept through to design, release, manufacturing, testing and commissioning. You'll produce general arrangement drawings in 2D/3D, integrating in-house products (conveyors, structures, screens) with third-party equipment (shredders, magnets, optical sorters) to create tailored plant layouts that maximise space and material flow.

On the structural side, you'll design platforms, stairs, access walkways, handrailing, legs and chutes, carrying out the associated design calculations. You'll model and detail products in SolidWorks, producing manufacturing drawings and BOMs via the company's MRP system, and defining technical specifications in line with internal standards and industry legislation.

You will work closely with Sales and Projects teams to develop layouts through to Design Freeze and customer sign-off, and provide engineering support on site during installation, commissioning and testing. There's also scope to attend trade shows, visit completed installations, and help bring new technologies and continuous improvement ideas into the design process.

About You

• Strong experience with SolidWorks and AutoCAD (GA, design & detailing).
• Experience with SolidSteel or Tekla.
• Structural steel design and calculation experience.
• Background in sheet metal and fabrication design.
• Ideally, experience with special purpose machinery (conveyors) and/or recycling equipment.
• Comfortable managing costs, BOMs and working within an ERP/MRP system
• Interest in AI and automation in design.
• Knowledge of the make-to-order design process and relevant legal/industry regulations.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Confident, decisive, and able to explain design ideas clearly.
• Flexible, dependable, and happy to travel to site as required.
• Knowledge of hydraulics and electrics an advantage.