Project Engineer, Mechanical Engineer

Position: Project Engineer (Permanent)
Overview

This is an excellent opportunity for a mechanically minded engineer to join a leading provider of automated manufacturing systems for Tier 1 automotive and general engineering customers. The Project Engineer will support the delivery of automated manufacturing systems, gaining experience across mechanical assemblies, robotics, tooling, and process automation. The role provides a structured development pathway into Project Management and Programme Management for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities

Project Engineering Support & Project Coordination

Assist senior engineers and project managers throughout the full lifecycle of automation and assembly tooling projects.

Work with mechanical drawings, 3D CAD models, facility & system layouts, pneumatics, and specifications.

Support the preparation of project documentation, schedules, and progress reports.

Coordinate with internal teams (design, fabrication, controls, robot engineering, installation) to ensure smooth project execution.

Provide hands-on support during assembly, testing, and installation activities.

Technical Learning & Development

Gain experience in mechanical assemblies, tooling, pneumatics, and automated machinery, including process & sequence definition and development of assembly process solutions.

Assist business development with technical bid proposals, including system layouts, timing plans, cycle time calculations, and process definition.

Hands-on involvement with fixture and tooling build, facility assembly, system testing, and final commissioning.

Support troubleshooting and problem-solving during build and commissioning phases, working alongside other engineering disciplines.

Participate in FAT, SAT, and customer acceptance activities during buy-off and handover.

Learn to apply engineering standards, safety requirements, and customer specifications.

Customer & Supplier Interaction

Assist with technical queries from customers and suppliers.

Work with internal and external engineering resources, including Design, Manufacturing, Controls, and Robot Engineering.

Support customer engineering change enquiries and develop engineering cost estimates.

Develop project finance awareness, working within budgets and forecasts.

Support engineering site activities, including site visits, installations, and commissioning.

Help source mechanical components and equipment as part of procurement processes.

Qualifications

* Level 5 qualification or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.

* Time-served mechanical apprenticeships will be considered.

* Additional training in automation or project engineering is beneficial but not required.

Career Development Pathway

The role is structured to support long-term career growth. As experience builds, the successful candidate will progress through:

* Project Engineer – taking ownership of work packages and technical delivery.

* Project Manager – leading full projects, managing budgets, timelines, and customer relationships.

* Programme Manager – overseeing multiple large-scale automation programmes for Tier 1 and OEM customers.

* Training, mentoring, and exposure to real project environments will be provided at every stage

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking one of two types of candidates:

1. Experienced Robotics/Automation Engineer

* Strong background in industrial robotics (KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, etc.)

* Experience in robot programming, commissioning, or integration

* Interested in a career move into project engineering with long-term growth to Project Manager

* Familiarity with automation systems, PLCs, and process integration

2. Early-Career Automation/Mechatronics Engineer

* Recent graduate in Mechatronics, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

* 1–2 years’ experience in automation, robotics, conveyor systems, or body-in-white/assembly line production

* Strong foundation in automation and problem-solving

* Motivated to grow into a project-focused career with hands-on and management exposure