Project Engineer (Interim)
Short-Term Contract Assignment
Location: Kent
Salary: Up to £450 per day
Contract Duration: Approx. 4-6 Week Project (Potential Extension)
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a rapidly growing healthy snack manufacturer as they prepare to launch their very own production facility in Kent.
Having recently secured a major retail partnership, the business is bringing production in-house for the first time and is now looking for a hands-on Project Engineer to help transform a small industrial unit into a fully operational food manufacturing site.
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the setup, installation, commissioning and launch of a brand-new manufacturing operation, helping to create the technical foundations that will support the next stage of growth.
The Role
Reporting directly into the founders, you will take ownership of the engineering and technical setup phase of the project, helping ensure the facility is production-ready, audit-ready and positioned to achieve SALSA accreditation ahead of launch.
You'll be involved in everything from machinery installation and commissioning through to contractor coordination, facility setup, production flow, food safety considerations and practical problem solving.
Facility Setup & Fit Out
- Assess the proposed facility and advise on practical setup requirements
- Support machinery layout, material flow and production area design
- Identify technical, operational and safety risks before production begins
- Ensure the site is built with food production, hygiene and future scalability in mind
- Coordinate key setup activities alongside founders, suppliers and contractors
Machinery Installation & Commissioning
- Support installation and commissioning of small food production equipment
- Troubleshoot installation issues and early-stage technical faults
- Support production trials and performance validation
- Ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently before launch
Engineering Support
- Provide hands-on mechanical support throughout the setup phase
- Assist with electrical fault finding where required
- Support pumps, motors, conveyors, packaging machinery and associated equipment
- Create practical maintenance routines and handover documentation
Food Safety & SALSA Readiness
- Support the creation of a food-safe manufacturing environment
- Ensure engineering decisions align with SALSA requirements
- Consider hygiene zoning, cleaning access, traceability and production flow
- Help build an operation that is audit-ready from day one
Contractor & Supplier Management
- Liaise with equipment suppliers and contractors
- Coordinate installation activities and technical requirements
- Help identify where specialist support is genuinely required
About You
We're looking for a practical engineer who enjoys getting stuck in and making things happen.
You will ideally have:
- Engineering experience within food manufacturing, FMCG or packaging environments
- Experience supporting factory installations, commissioning projects or site improvements
- Strong mechanical engineering capability
- Practical electrical fault-finding experience
- Knowledge of three-phase systems, sensors, motors, controls and automated machinery
- Exposure to SALSA, BRCGS or similar food manufacturing standards
- Experience working with contractors and equipment suppliers
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach
- The ability to work effectively within a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment
If you're the type of engineer who enjoys rolling up your sleeves, solving problems and helping bring exciting projects to life, we'd love to hear from you.
