Project Engineer
10 hours ago
Bedford
Project Engineer – Automation Systems – Bedfordshire Location: Bedfordshire 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