Image of employee Stephen Simpson Director and engineering recruiter of SimWest Engineering Recruitment

Stephen Simpson

Director/Engineering Recruiter

About Me

Stephen is the Founder of SimWest Engineering Recruitment and has over 17 years’ experience supporting engineering and manufacturing businesses across the UK.

He specialises in recruiting engineers for machinery-led environments, with particular focus on special-purpose machinery, food & drink manufacturing and FMCG.  Having worked closely with both candidates and hiring managers throughout his career, Stephen understands the challenges businesses face when securing the right engineering talent and takes a practical, straightforward approach to recruitment.

As a hands-on, owner-led consultant, Stephen personally manages every search, ensuring clients and candidates receive a responsive, honest and professional service from initial conversation through to successful placement.

 

My Posts

March 4, 2026

Preparing for Engineering Interviews

Preparing for Engineering Interviews: Practical technical and behavioural interview tips for engineers working in UK Food, FMCG and machinery manufacturing. Learn what hiring managers really look for, how to demonstrate real engineering experience, and how to make a strong impression during interviews and site tours.
February 4, 2026

Why Engineering Job Titles No Longer Tell the Full Story in Manufacturing

Two engineers. Same job title. Completely different skillsets. In today’s manufacturing and machinery environments, titles no longer tell the full story. This article looks at why engineering is becoming increasingly skills-led - and what that means for careers and hiring decisions.
February 2, 2026

One Interview or Two for Maintenance Engineers?

One interview or two? An insight-led look at how food & FMCG manufacturers can structure maintenance engineer interviews to reduce drop-outs, speed up hiring, and still protect quality.
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