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why-food-fmcg-smes-are-turning-back-to-external-engineering-support-179

Why Food & FMCG SMEs are using external engineering support again, and how a balanced recruitment strategy can protect skills, uptime and cost.

Why Food & FMCG SMEs Are Turning Back to External Engineering Support

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Discover why unfilled Maintenance Engineer roles are causing downtime for North West food, drink and FMCG manufacturers, and how to strengthen your talent pipeline with responsive and strategic recruitment approaches.

Machinery Downtime vs. Empty Talent Pipeline: Why Maintenance Roles Are Grinding North West Production to a Halt

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Download the 2026 UK Design Engineering Salary Survey by SimWest Engineering Recruitment. Salary benchmarks for Mechanical Design Engineers, Senior Design Engineers, Electrical Design Engineers and Design Managers across the UK.

2026 Design Engineering Salary Survey

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Meet Stephen Simpson, Director & Engineering Recruiter at SimWest Engineering Recruitment with 17+ years’ experience placing engineering talent across UK manufacturing, machinery & FMCG.

Stephen is the Founder of SimWest Engineering Recruitment and has over 17 years&rsquo; 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 &amp; drink manufacturing and FMCG. &nbsp;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.&nbsp;

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Explore Design Engineer jobs in Leeds with SimWest Engineering Recruitment. Specialist roles in machinery manufacturing, automation, and capital equipment. Looking for Design Engineer jobs in Leeds? Discover opportunities in machinery manufacturing, automation and capital equipment with SimWest Engineering Recruitment.

Design Engineer Jobs in Leeds | SimWest

Design Engineer Jobs in Leeds | Specialist Machinery RecruitmentTake the Next Step in Your Engineering Career with SimWest Engineering RecruitmentLeeds and West Yorkshire are at the heart of the UK&rsquo;s machinery manufacturing sector. From <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">special purpose machinery</a> and robotics to high-speed packaging and food processing systems, the region offers some of the most technically challenging and rewarding Design Engineering roles in the country.For engineers working in mechanical design, electrical design, or controls engineering, Leeds offers strong career opportunities across machinery manufacturing, automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.SimWest Engineering Recruitment specialises in helping Design Engineers find new opportunities with engineering manufacturers across Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, and the wider Yorkshire region.Why Partner with SimWest for Your Next Design Engineer Role in Leeds?Finding the right role in machinery design requires more than just a job board search. Many of the best positions with top-tier Yorkshire manufacturers are never advertised publicly.As a candidate, working with SimWest means:<ul><li>Industry Expertise: We speak your language. We understand the difference between designing a static component and a complex, high-speed automated system.</li><li>Exclusive Opportunities: Access "hidden" roles within specialist machinery, automation, and capital equipment sectors.</li><li>Career Guidance: With over 17 years of experience in engineering recruitment, we provide honest feedback on your CV, portfolio, and salary expectations.</li><li>Local Knowledge: We know the Leeds engineering landscape intimately&mdash;from the big-name OEMs to the innovative "hidden gem" SMEs.</li></ul>Design Roles We Recruit in LeedsWe specialise in engineering roles that require a deep understanding of how things move, automate, and manufacture. We are currently looking for candidates in:Mechanical Design EngineersSpecialising in machinery systems and mechanisms. We look for proficiency in:<ul><li>CAD Platforms: SolidWorks, Inventor, Solid Edge, or Creo.</li><li>Skills: Mechanism design, pneumatics, hydraulics, structural analysis, and BOM creation.</li></ul>Electrical Design EngineersFocusing on the electrical architecture of complex machinery. Key areas include:<ul><li>Software: EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or See Electrical.</li><li>Skills: Control panel layout, electrical schematics, and safety circuit design.</li></ul>Controls &amp; Automation EngineersThe "brains" behind the machine. We recruit for experts in:<ul><li>Systems: Siemens (TIA Portal/S7), Rockwell (Studio 5000), Mitsubishi, or Beckhoff.</li><li>Skills: PLC/HMI programming, motion control, and on-site commissioning.</li></ul>Senior Design Engineer / Design ManagerLeading engineering design teams and overseeing complex machinery development projects.Engineering companies across Leeds typically work within sectors such as:Special purpose machinery manufacturing Packaging machinery Food processing equipment Robotics and automation systems Industrial production equipment Material handling systemsThese businesses rely on experienced Design Engineers to support product innovation and machinery development.Salary Insights for Design Engineers in Leeds &amp; Yorkshire:<ul><li>Mid-Level Engineers: &pound;35,000 &ndash; &pound;45,000</li><li>Senior Engineers: &pound;45,000 &ndash; &pound;55,000</li><li>Lead Engineers / Design Managers: &pound;55,000+</li></ul>Benefits packages can also include:<ul><li>Hybrid working options</li><li>Early Friday finishes</li><li>Annual bonuses</li><li>Private healthcare</li><li>Career progression into senior or lead roles</li></ul>How SimWest Helps Design Engineers Find Jobs in LeedsWe treat your job search with the confidentiality and professionalism it deserves.<ul><li>Initial Consultation: We discuss your technical background, preferred CAD tools, and what you&rsquo;re looking for in your next challenge.</li><li>Tailored Matching: We only introduce you to companies that align with your technical skills and career goals.</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/preparing-for-engineering-interviews-173?navigation=true">Interview Preparation:</a> We provide deep insights into the company&rsquo;s projects, culture, and interview style.</li><li>Offer Negotiation: We handle the "awkward" conversations to ensure you get the package you deserve.</li></ul>Frequently Asked Questions for Candidates1. Do I need a degree to be considered? While many of our clients look for BEng/MEng qualified engineers, we also highly value candidates with strong HNC/HND backgrounds and proven "hands-on" machinery design experience.2. I live in Sheffield/Huddersfield&mdash;is Leeds a viable commute? Absolutely. Many of our partner companies are based in industrial hubs with excellent links to the M62 and M1, making them accessible from across West and South Yorkshire.3. Will you send my CV to companies without my permission? Never. We operate with total transparency. Your CV is only submitted to a client after we have discussed the role with you and you have given us the green light.Looking for Design Engineer Jobs in Leeds?If you are a Mechanical Design Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, or Controls Engineer considering new Design Engineer jobs in Leeds or across Yorkshire, SimWest Engineering Recruitment can help.We regularly work with engineering companies looking for experienced design engineers to support machinery development and automation projects.You can:<ul><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/candidates/submit-cv">Register your CV with SimWest</a></li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/jobs">Explore current engineering vacancies</a></li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Speak with a specialist engineering recruiter </a></li></ul>

Design Engineer Jobs in Leeds - SimWest Engineering Recruitment

Design Engineer Jobs in Leeds

Looking for engineering jobs in food manufacturing or FMCG? Discover UK opportunities for maintenance, design and automation engineers with SimWest Engineering Recruitment.

Engineering Jobs in Food Manufacturing & FMCG

Connecting world-class engineers with the UK&rsquo;s most essential industrial sector.Food manufacturing is one of the UK&rsquo;s most important industrial sectors, producing everything from packaged foods and ready meals to beverages, dairy products and ingredients.Behind every modern food production facility is a team of skilled engineers responsible for maintaining automated production lines, developing new equipment, and improving manufacturing performance.ENGINEERING CAREERS IN THE UK'S FOOD HUBSIf you are an engineer considering your next move, the UK food manufacturing and FMCG sector offers strong career stability, competitive salaries, and exposure to highly automated production environments.While SimWest recruit across the entire UK, we have deep networks in the primary manufacturing "Golden Triangles" and industrial clusters:<ul><li>The Midlands: The heart of UK food production (Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Northamptonshire).</li><li>The North West: Home to massive ambient and chilled manufacturing hubs in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.</li><li>Yorkshire &amp; Humber: A critical region for the UK&rsquo;s protein and ready-meal supply chains.</li><li>East of England: A leading cluster for agri-tech and fresh produce processing.</li></ul>Many food factories rely heavily on electromechanical machinery, robotics, and automated packaging systems, which creates continuous demand for skilled maintenance, controls, and engineering professionals.At the same time, the UK faces an ongoing engineering skills shortage, with hundreds of thousands of roles needing to be filled across STEM industries.For engineers with the right skills, this creates excellent long-term career opportunities.TYPICAL SALARIES FOR FOOD MANUFACTYURING ENGINEERS (UK)Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the complexity of machinery involved.Typical salary ranges include:Maintenance Engineers<ul><li>&pound;38,000 &ndash; &pound;45,000 for mid-level engineers</li><li>&pound;45,000 &ndash; &pound;55,000 for senior or multi-skilled engineers</li><li>&pound;55,000+ for engineering supervisors or reliability specialists</li></ul>Controls / Automation Engineers<ul><li>&pound;45,000 &ndash; &pound;60,000</li><li>&pound;60,000 &ndash; &pound;75,000+ for senior automation specialists</li></ul>Engineering Managers<ul><li>&pound;60,000 &ndash; &pound;85,000</li><li>&pound;85,000 - &pound;110,000 + for Senior &amp; Engineering Directors</li></ul>Project Engineer/Project Managers<ul><li>&pound;45,000 &ndash; &pound;65,000</li><li>&pound;65,000 - &pound;80,000 + for Senior Engineers/CAPEX Managers&nbsp;</li></ul>WHY WORK WITH A SPECIALIST ENGINEERING RECRUITEREngineering roles in food manufacturing are rarely filled through job boards alone.Many of the best opportunities are shared through specialist recruitment networks and industry contacts.Working with a specialist recruiter can help engineers:<ul><li>Access roles that are not publicly advertised</li><li>Understand realistic salary expectations</li><li>Identify companies with strong engineering cultures</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/preparing-for-engineering-interviews-173">Prepare for technical interviews and site visits</a></li><li>Explore long-term career progression opportunities</li></ul>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1. What engineering jobs exist in food manufacturing?Food manufacturers recruit engineers across maintenance, automation, projects and management roles. Common roles include Maintenance Engineer, Multi-Skilled Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Project Engineer and Engineering Manager.2. Are engineering jobs in food manufacturing stable?Yes. Unlike automotive or aerospace, which can be cyclical, food production is "recession-proof." Even in economic downturns, the UK requires engineers to keep food on the shelves.3. I have an Electrical/Mechanical bias - is that okay?While "Multi-Skilled" is the gold standard, there is still demand for purely Electrical Engineers (specifically for PLC/Controls) and Mechanical Engineers (for complex packaging and fabrication).4. Can engineers move into food manufacturing from other industries?Yes. Many engineers transition from:automotive manufacturing Chemical Manufacturing Textiles &amp; Print Manufacturing process manufacturing industriesTransferable skills such as automation, mechanical systems, and production engineering are highly valued.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/candidates/submit-cv">Register your CV</a><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/jobs">Search our Engineering Jobs</a>&nbsp;

Engineering Jobs in Food Manufacturing & FMCG - SimWest

Explore OEM machinery Design Engineer jobs across Manchester, the North West and the UK with SimWest Engineering Recruitment.

OEM Machinery Design Engineer Jobs

<h3>OEM Machinery Design Engineer Jobs</h3>OEM machinery Design Engineer jobs can offer broad project involvement, practical design exposure and the chance to see your work move from concept through to manufacture, assembly, testing and installation.SimWest Engineering Recruitment works with machinery manufacturers, automation companies and manufacturing businesses across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK, supporting Design Engineers who want roles with stronger technical fit, realistic salary positioning and long-term progression.<h3>Design Engineer Jobs in OEM Machinery</h3><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/engineering-occupational-profiles/design-engineer-occupational-profile">Design Engineers</a> working within OEM machinery environments are often involved in the design and development of bespoke industrial equipment, automation systems and manufacturing machinery used across a wide range of sectors.Typical industries include:<ul><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">Special purpose machinery </a></li><li>Industrial automation</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/food-and-beverage-recruitment-agency-uk-engineering">Food</a> and <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/fmcg-manufacturing-recruitment-agency-uk-fmcg-engineers">FMCG</a> manufacturing</li><li>Packaging machinery</li><li>Robotics and automated systems</li><li>Conveyor and materials handling equipment</li><li>Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment</li><li>Process engineering machinery</li><li>Capital equipment manufacturing&nbsp;</li></ul>Many OEM machinery design roles offer involvement across full project lifecycles, including:<ul><li>Concept design</li><li>3D CAD modelling</li><li>Detail drawings</li><li>Design calculations</li><li>Supplier interaction</li><li>Assembly and build support</li><li>Factory testing</li><li>Installation and commissioning support&nbsp;</li></ul>For engineers who enjoy practical problem solving and seeing machinery projects move into production, OEM design environments can offer varied and technically interesting work.<h3>What Employers Look For</h3>Employers recruiting OEM Machinery Design Engineers are often looking for more than CAD software experience alone.Many businesses value engineers who can combine technical design capability with practical engineering understanding and project awareness.Common requirements include:<ul><li>Machinery or automation design experience</li><li>Understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes</li><li>Design for manufacture (DFM)</li><li>Mechanical assemblies and moving mechanisms</li><li>Sheet metal and fabrication design</li><li>Pneumatic and hydraulic systems knowledge</li><li>Problem solving during machine build stages</li><li>Communication with production, projects and controls teams</li><li>Ability to work within project deadlines&nbsp;</li></ul>For senior-level positions, employers may also look for:<ul><li>Customer-facing experience</li><li>Project ownership capability</li><li>Mentoring or leadership experience</li><li>Design review responsibilities</li><li>Commissioning or installation support&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>CAD Skills and Practical Experience</h3>Most OEM machinery employers recruit Design Engineers with strong 3D CAD capability, but practical engineering experience is often equally important.Common CAD platforms include:<ul><li>SolidWorks</li><li>Inventor</li><li>Creo</li><li>AutoCAD</li><li>Siemens NX&nbsp;</li></ul>Many businesses also value engineers with practical exposure to:<ul><li>Fabrication and machining processes</li><li>Tolerancing and GD&amp;T</li><li>BOM creation</li><li>Pneumatic systems</li><li>Mechanical drive systems</li><li>Machine guarding and safety</li><li>Build and commissioning support</li><li>Design modifications during manufacture&nbsp;</li></ul>Design Engineers who understand how machinery is built, assembled and tested are often highly sought after across manufacturing and automation sectors.<h3>Career Progression</h3>OEM machinery environments can offer <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/where-can-a-mechanical-design-engineer-go-next-172?navigation=true">strong long-term progression</a> for Design Engineers looking to develop technical responsibility and wider project involvement.Typical progression routes may include:<ul><li>Senior Design Engineer</li><li>Lead Design Engineer</li><li>Project Engineer</li><li>Design Team Leader</li><li>Engineering Manager</li><li>Technical Manager</li><li>Automation Project Engineer</li><li>Applications Engineer&nbsp;</li></ul>Many engineers also gain broader experience across project management, customer interaction, commissioning and manufacturing support as their careers progress.<h3>Salary Expectations</h3>OEM Machinery Design Engineer salaries vary depending on experience level, industry sector, machinery complexity and project responsibility.The SimWest 2026 Design Engineering <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/2026-design-engineering-salary-survey-177">Salary Survey</a> showed the median salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer was &pound;43,589, with higher salaries commonly available for engineers with OEM machinery, automation and customer-facing project experience.Salary levels are often influenced by:<ul><li>Machinery or automation sector experience</li><li>CAD platform knowledge</li><li>Project ownership responsibilities</li><li>Manufacturing and assembly understanding</li><li>Customer interaction exposure</li><li>Commissioning and installation support</li><li>Seniority level</li><li>Location within the UK&nbsp;</li></ul>Across the&nbsp; UK engineering market, demand remains strong for Design Engineers with practical machinery manufacturing experience.<h3>How SimWest Supports Design Engineers</h3>SimWest Engineering Recruitment works with Design Engineers across machinery manufacturing, industrial automation and OEM engineering sectors.We support candidates looking for:<ul><li>Permanent Design Engineer jobs</li><li>Contract engineering opportunities</li><li>Senior Design Engineer positions</li><li>Machinery and automation projects</li><li>Better salary positioning</li><li>Stronger technical fit</li><li>Long-term career progression&nbsp;</li></ul>We understand the differences between design engineering environments and aim to match engineers with businesses that fit both technically and culturally.Our recruitment support includes:<ul><li>Confidential job searches</li><li>Salary benchmarking guidance</li><li>CV and interview support</li><li>Market insight</li><li>Access to specialist engineering employers</li><li>Support throughout the recruitment process&nbsp;</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/candidates/submit-cv">Upload Your CV</a><h3>Looking for your next OEM Machinery Design Engineer role?</h3>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports Design Engineers across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK with specialist recruitment across machinery manufacturing, automation and industrial engineering sectors.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/candidates/submit-cv">Upload your CV</a> or contact <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> to discuss current Design Engineer opportunities.<h3>Latest OEM Machinery Design Engineer Jobs</h3><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/jobs">Browse the latest OEM Machinery Design Engineer jobs across</a>:<ul><li>Manchester</li><li>Greater Manchester</li><li>Cheshire</li><li>Lancashire</li><li>Merseyside</li><li>Yorkshire</li><li>The North West</li><li>Wider UK manufacturing and automation sectors</li></ul>SimWest Engineering Recruitment regularly recruits for:<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineers</li><li>Senior Design Engineers</li><li>Electrical Design Engineer</li><li>Automation Design Engineers</li><li>CAD Engineers</li><li>Machinery Design Engineers</li><li>Project Design Engineers</li><li>Special Purpose Machinery Engineers</li><li>OEM Engineering roles</li></ul>&nbsp;

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Specialist end-to-end engineering recruitment for OEM machinery manufacturers and Food, Drink & FMCG manufacturers, covering design, build, installation, service, maintenance and engineering leadership roles.

End-to-End Engineering Recruitment

<h2 style="text-align: left;">Key takeaways:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/">SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> supports hiring across the full machinery lifecycle, from design and build through to installation, commissioning, service, maintenance and engineering leadership.</li><li>We work with both OEM machinery manufacturers and end-user Food, Drink and FMCG manufacturers, giving hiring managers access to a broader view of the engineering talent market.</li><li>Our recruitment approach focuses on machinery exposure, technical capability, working environment, transferable skills and long-term fit, rather than simply matching CVs to job titles.</li><li>We recruit engineers who design, build, install, service and maintain machinery used in production and manufacturing environments.</li><li>Typical sectors include food processing machinery, packaging machinery, automation, bulk handling systems, conveyors, robotics, inspection equipment, end-of-line systems and fast-paced <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/food-and-beverage-recruitment-agency-uk-engineering">Food &amp; Beverage Production</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/fmcg-manufacturing-recruitment-agency-uk-fmcg-engineers">FMCG manufacturing</a> sites.</li><li>By understanding how engineering roles connect across the machinery cycle, SimWest helps hiring managers reduce recruitment risk and avoid overlooking strong candidates with relevant transferable experience.</li></ul><h2>Engineering Recruitment Across The Full Machinery Lifecycle</h2>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports engineering and manufacturing businesses across the full machinery lifecycle.From the OEMs that design, build, install and service production machinery, through to the Food, Drink and FMCG manufacturers that rely on that equipment every day, we recruit the engineers who keep projects moving, machines running and production environments performing.That includes engineers working with bulk handling systems, food processing machinery, high-speed packaging lines, automation, inspection equipment, conveyors, robotics, end-of-line systems and wider factory engineering infrastructure.Whether you need a Design Engineer to develop bespoke machinery, a Mechanical Fitter to build equipment, a Service Engineer to install and commission systems, or a Maintenance Engineer to keep production running, SimWest helps you identify people with the right technical capability, sector understanding and long-term fit.<h2>Supporting OEMs, Machinery Manufacturers and End-User Manufacturers</h2>Engineering recruitment is often treated as though every role sits in isolation.In reality, the best engineering teams are connected by the same machinery lifecycle.A <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/engineering-occupational-profiles/design-engineer-occupational-profile">Design Engineer</a> working for an OEM needs to understand how equipment will be manufactured, assembled, installed and maintained. A Service Engineer needs to understand both the machinery and the customer&rsquo;s production environment. A <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/engineering-occupational-profiles/the-food-and-drink-maintenance-engineer-occupational-profile">Maintenance Engineer</a> in a Food or FMCG factory needs to understand not only breakdowns and PPMs, but also the demands of hygiene, uptime, automation, safety and production pressure.SimWest&rsquo;s experience across both machinery manufacturers and end-user manufacturing sites means we understand how these roles connect.We support:<ul><li>OEM machinery manufacturers</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">Special purpose machinery</a> builders</li><li>Automation and systems integration businesses</li><li>Packaging machinery manufacturers</li><li>Food processing machinery suppliers</li><li>Bulk handling and materials handling equipment businesses</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/food-and-beverage-recruitment-agency-uk-engineering">Food and Drink Manufacturers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/fmcg-manufacturing-recruitment-agency-uk-fmcg-engineers">FMCG Manufacturers</a> - Packaging, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and consumer goods manufacturers&nbsp;</li></ul>This gives us a broader view of the engineering talent market and helps us identify candidates whose skills can transfer effectively across machinery-led environments.<h2>Recruiting Engineers Who Design, Build, Install, Service and Maintain Machinery</h2>SimWest Engineering Recruitment focuses on engineering roles where technical understanding matters.We don&rsquo;t simply match CVs to job titles. We look at the machinery, the working environment, the level of hands-on involvement, the design or maintenance responsibilities, the pace of the operation and the type of person likely to succeed.<h3>Design and Technical Engineering Recruitment</h3>For OEMs, machinery builders and automation businesses, we recruit engineers involved in the design and development of production equipment and engineered systems.Typical roles include:<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineers</li><li>Electrical Design Engineers</li><li>Controls and Automation Engineers</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/engineering-occupational-profiles/design-manager-occupational-profile">Design Managers</a> and Design Leads</li><li>Project Engineers</li><li>Applications Engineers</li><li>Technical Managers&nbsp;</li></ul>These roles often require experience with bespoke machinery, special purpose equipment, food processing systems, packaging machinery, conveyors, automation, pneumatic systems, fabricated assemblies, sheet metal, guarding, mechanical calculations, CAD, design-for-manufacture and machinery safety.<h3>Machinery Build and Assembly Recruitment</h3>For businesses building machinery in-house, the quality of mechanical and electrical build talent has a direct impact on project delivery, reliability and customer satisfaction.We recruit for roles including:<ul><li>Mechanical Fitters</li><li>Machine Builders</li><li>Mechanical Assemblers</li><li>Electrical Fitters</li><li>Panel Wirers</li><li>Installation Engineers</li><li>Commissioning Engineers&nbsp;</li></ul>These candidates are often working from engineering drawings, assembling shafts, bearings, gearboxes, conveyors, guards, frames, pneumatic systems, drive systems and wider mechanical or electrical assemblies.<h3>Service, Installation and Commissioning Recruitment</h3>Machinery suppliers need engineers who can represent the business professionally on customer sites while solving technical problems under pressure.SimWest recruits:<ul><li>Field Service Engineers</li><li>Installation Engineers</li><li>Commissioning Engineers</li><li>Service Managers</li><li>Technical Support Engineers</li><li>Site-based Service Engineers&nbsp;</li></ul>These roles often require strong fault-finding ability, customer-facing communication, travel flexibility, mechanical and electrical understanding, and experience working with production machinery in live manufacturing environments.<h3>Maintenance and Reliability Recruitment</h3>For Food, Drink and FMCG manufacturers, engineering recruitment is closely linked to uptime, safety, hygiene, quality and production performance.We recruit:<ul><li>Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Multi-Skilled Engineers</li><li>Electrical Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Mechanical Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Reliability Engineers</li><li>Engineering Team Leaders</li><li>Engineering Managers</li><li>Site Engineering Managers&nbsp;</li></ul>These roles typically involve planned maintenance, reactive breakdown support, fault finding, continuous improvement, asset reliability, automation support and close collaboration with production teams.<h2>Why End-to-End Machinery Understanding Matters</h2>A recruiter who understands only one part of the engineering cycle can easily miss what makes a candidate suitable.A Design Engineer may look strong on paper, but have limited exposure to real machinery build, production feedback or customer requirements.A Maintenance Engineer may not have direct Food or FMCG experience, but may have worked on similar conveyors, drives, sensors, packaging lines, robotic systems, inspection equipment or automated production machinery in another high-speed manufacturing environment.A Service Engineer may come from an OEM background and have the right combination of technical skill, customer-facing ability and practical site awareness to move into a different machinery sector.That is why SimWest looks beyond job titles.We focus on:<ul><li>Machinery exposure</li><li>Engineering fundamentals</li><li>Sector relevance</li><li>Transferable technical skills</li><li>Hands-on experience</li><li>Working environment</li><li>Candidate motivation</li><li>Long-term fit&nbsp;</li></ul>This approach helps hiring managers see the full picture and reduces the risk of overlooking strong candidates because their previous job title or sector does not match perfectly.<h2>Machinery and Equipment Sectors We Understand</h2>SimWest supports recruitment across machinery-led environments where technical detail matters.This includes experience around:<ul><li>Food processing machinery</li><li>Bulk handling systems</li><li>Conveyors and elevators</li><li>High-speed packaging machinery</li><li>Filling, dosing and depositing systems</li><li>Inspection and checkweighing equipment</li><li>Metal detection and vision systems</li><li>Robotic handling and palletising systems</li><li>End-of-line automation</li><li>Special purpose machinery</li><li>Production and process machinery</li><li>Control systems and automation</li><li>Factory services and utilities&nbsp;</li></ul>Whether the equipment is being designed by an OEM, installed by a service team or maintained inside a live manufacturing site, we understand the importance of finding engineers who can work safely, practically and effectively in that environment.<h2>Helping Hiring Managers Reduce Engineering Recruitment Risk</h2>Hiring the wrong engineer can be expensive.For OEM machinery businesses, it can delay projects, increase design rework, affect build quality or damage customer relationships.For Food and FMCG manufacturers, it can increase downtime, place pressure on existing engineering teams and weaken production reliability.SimWest helps hiring managers reduce that risk by taking a more detailed approach to engineering recruitment.We take time to understand:<ul><li>What machinery or equipment the role supports</li><li>Whether the position is design, build, service, maintenance or leadership focused</li><li>The level of mechanical, electrical or controls knowledge required</li><li>The working environment and site expectations</li><li>The salary, shift pattern, travel requirement or package needed to attract the right people</li><li>The difference between essential experience and useful transferable experience</li><li>What would make the opportunity attractive to passive candidates&nbsp;</li></ul>The result is a more accurate shortlist and a recruitment process focused on suitability, not volume.<h2>End-to-End Engineering Roles We Recruit For</h2>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports permanent, contract and interim hiring across a wide range of engineering roles, including:<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineers</li><li>Electrical Design Engineers</li><li>Controls Engineers</li><li>Automation Engineers</li><li>Design Managers</li><li>Project Engineers</li><li>Project Managers</li><li>Mechanical Fitters</li><li>Machine Builders</li><li>Electrical Fitters</li><li>Field Service Engineers</li><li>Installation Engineers</li><li>Commissioning Engineers</li><li>Multi-Skilled Engineers</li><li>Reliability Engineers</li><li>Engineering Team Leaders</li><li>Engineering Managers</li><li>Technical Managers</li><li>Service Managers</li><li>Technical Sales Engineers</li><li>Sales Managers for machinery and capital equipment businesses&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>A Specialist Engineering Recruitment Partner For The Full Machinery Cycle</h2>SimWest Engineering Recruitment is built around engineering and manufacturing recruitment.We are not a generalist agency trying to cover every market. We focus on sectors where machinery, technical detail and practical engineering experience matter.That focus allows us to support both sides of the machinery lifecycle: the businesses that design and supply production equipment, and the manufacturers that operate and maintain it.For hiring managers, that means you are working with a recruitment partner who understands the difference between a design-led OEM environment, a machine build workshop, a customer-facing service role and a fast-paced Food or FMCG production site.<h2>Speak to SimWest about Engineering Recruitment</h2>If you are hiring engineers across design, build, installation, service, maintenance or engineering leadership, <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/">SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> can help you identify the right people for your business.Whether you are an OEM machinery manufacturer, automation business, packaging machinery supplier, Food manufacturer or FMCG production site, we can support your search with a focused, practical and technically informed recruitment approach.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Contact SimWest Engineering Recruitment to discuss your next engineering hire.</a><h2>FAQs</h2>What does end-to-end engineering recruitment mean?End-to-end engineering recruitment means recruiting across the full machinery and manufacturing lifecycle, from design and build through to installation, commissioning, service, maintenance, reliability and engineering leadership.Does SimWest recruit for OEM machinery manufacturers?Yes. SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports OEM machinery manufacturers, special purpose machinery builders, automation businesses, packaging machinery companies and capital equipment suppliers with specialist engineering recruitment.Does SimWest recruit for Food and FMCG manufacturers?Yes. SimWest recruits Maintenance Engineers, Multi-Skilled Engineers, Automation Engineers, Project Engineers, Engineering Managers and other technical roles for Food, Drink and FMCG manufacturing businesses across the UK.What engineering roles does SimWest recruit for?SimWest recruits across design, projects, controls, automation, machinery build, service, commissioning, maintenance, reliability and engineering management roles.Can engineers move between OEM machinery and Food/FMCG manufacturing?In some cases, yes. Many engineering skills transfer well between OEM machinery, automation, packaging, process equipment and Food/FMCG manufacturing environments. The key is understanding the machinery, the working environment and the level of adaptation required.Why use a specialist engineering recruiter?Specialist engineering recruiters understand the difference between similar-sounding roles, technical skill requirements, machinery exposure and working environments. This helps hiring managers reach stronger candidates and reduce unsuitable applications.

End-to-End Engineering Recruitment | Machinery, Food & FMCG

Looking to hire Design Engineers in Leeds? SimWest Engineering Recruitment connects machinery manufacturers with experienced Mechanical & Electrical Design Engineers. Hire Mechanical & Electrical Design Engineers in Leeds. SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports machinery manufacturers with specialist engineering talent.

Hiring Design Engineers in Leeds | SimWest

Specialist Machinery Manufacturing Recruitment &ndash; SimWest Engineering RecruitmentLeeds and the wider Yorkshire region are home to a strong concentration of machinery manufacturers, automation companies, and capital equipment OEMs.For businesses developing special purpose machinery, packaging systems, food processing equipment, robotics, and automated production lines, hiring the right Mechanical Design Engineers and Electrical Design Engineers is critical to maintaining innovation and project delivery timelines.SimWest is a specialist UK <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/">engineering recruitment agency</a> that supports machinery manufacturers in Leeds and across Yorkshire with the recruitment of highly skilled Design Engineers, Controls Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Service Engineers.With more than 17 years of experience recruiting engineering professionals within manufacturing and machinery sectors, SimWest works closely with engineering managers and directors to identify engineers who can design, develop, and deliver complex machinery systems.Why Machinery Manufacturers in Leeds Choose SimWest Engineering RecruitmentHiring the right design engineer requires more than simply posting a job advert.Engineering leaders often tell us they struggle with:<ul><li>A shortage of experienced machinery design engineers</li><li>Candidates with CAD skills but limited machinery design experience</li><li>Engineers without exposure to real manufacturing environments</li><li>Long hiring processes that delay project timelines</li></ul>At SimWest Engineering Recruitment, we specialise in identifying engineers who understand machinery design in real-world manufacturing environments.Our recruitment process focuses on identifying engineers with experience in:<ul><li>Special Purpose Machinery</li><li>Packaging Machinery</li><li>Food Processing Equipment</li><li>Robotics and Automation Systems</li><li>Conveyor Systems and Material Handling Equipment</li><li>Capital Equipment Manufacturing</li></ul>Because of our industry focus, we maintain relationships with engineers working across the <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">special purpose machinery manufacturing</a> sector throughout the North of England, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, and Sheffield.Design Engineers We Recruit for Machinery ManufacturersSimWest Engineering Recruitment supports companies in Leeds with the recruitment of a wide range of engineering design and development roles, including:Mechanical Design EngineersEngineers responsible for designing machinery systems, assemblies, and mechanisms using CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Solid Edge, and Creo.Typical responsibilities include:<ul><li>Designing mechanical assemblies and components</li><li>Creating manufacturing drawings and BOMs</li><li>Supporting prototype builds and machine testing</li><li>Working closely with production and commissioning teams</li></ul>Electrical Design EngineersEngineers responsible for developing the electrical architecture of machinery systems.Typical responsibilities include:<ul><li>Electrical schematic design</li><li>Control panel layouts</li><li>Safety circuit design</li><li>Integration with PLC and automation systems</li></ul>Controls and Automation EngineersEngineers responsible for programming and commissioning machinery systems.Typical responsibilities include:<ul><li>PLC programming</li><li>HMI development</li><li>Machine commissioning</li><li>Automation system integration</li></ul>Hiring Design Engineers in Leeds: Industry InsightsThe demand for experienced machinery design engineers has increased significantly across the Yorkshire manufacturing sector.Many engineering companies in Leeds are involved in:<ul><li>Food and beverage manufacturing equipment</li><li>Packaging machinery</li><li>Automated production systems</li><li>Robotics and material handling equipment</li><li>Pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing systems</li></ul>Because these industries rely on highly specialised engineering skills, experienced design engineers are often difficult to attract through traditional job advertising alone.This is where a specialist recruitment partner such as SimWest Engineering Recruitment can provide value by proactively identifying engineers already working within the machinery sector.Which Recruitment Agencies Hire Design Engineers in Leeds?Companies searching for recruitment agencies that specialise in design engineer recruitment in Leeds often look for agencies with genuine experience in the machinery manufacturing sector.While many generalist recruitment agencies operate in the region, few specialise specifically in engineering and machinery manufacturing recruitment.SimWest Engineering Recruitment focuses exclusively on engineering and manufacturing roles, including:<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineers</li><li>Electrical Design Engineers</li><li>Controls Engineers</li><li>Automation Engineers</li><li>Field Service Engineers</li><li>Commissioning Engineers</li><li>Project Engineers</li><li>Technical Sales Engineers</li></ul>This specialist focus allows us to build deeper relationships within the engineering community and identify candidates with the specific technical experience machinery manufacturers require.Why Specialist Engineering Recruitment MattersMachinery design engineers require a combination of technical capabilities that generalist recruiters often struggle to assess.For example, a successful machinery design engineer may need experience with:<ul><li>Machine design principles</li><li>Mechanical motion systems</li><li>Pneumatics and hydraulics</li><li>Structural analysis and load calculations</li><li>Manufacturing processes and tolerances</li><li>Integration with electrical and automation systems</li></ul>Because SimWest focuses exclusively on engineering recruitment, we are able to have technical conversations with engineers and evaluate whether their experience aligns with machinery design environments.This significantly improves the quality of candidates presented to clients.Local Engineering Recruitment Expertise in Leeds and YorkshireLeeds is part of one of the UK&rsquo;s most active manufacturing and engineering regions.SimWest Engineering Recruitment works with companies located across the <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/leeds-west-yorkshire">Yorkshire</a> region including:<ul><li>Leeds</li><li>Bradford</li><li>Wakefield</li><li>Huddersfield</li><li>Halifax</li><li>Sheffield</li><li>Doncaster</li><li>York</li></ul>Our understanding of the regional engineering employment market allows us to identify engineers who are realistically able to commute or relocate for opportunities within the area.How SimWest Engineering Recruitment Identifies Design EngineersOur recruitment process combines several methods to identify high-quality candidates.These include:<ul><li>Industry networking within machinery manufacturing sectors</li><li>Proactive search of experienced engineers working in similar machinery environments</li><li>Maintaining a database of pre-qualified engineering candidates</li><li>Promoting opportunities within specialist engineering communities</li><li>Engaging with passive candidates who are not actively job searching</li></ul>This proactive approach allows us to identify engineers who may not be visible through traditional job boards.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1. How difficult is it to hire Design Engineers in Leeds?Hiring experienced machinery design engineers can be challenging because many engineers already work within stable engineering businesses and are not actively applying for jobs.Specialist recruitment approaches are often required to identify engineers open to new opportunities.2. What salary do Mechanical Design Engineers earn in Leeds?Mechanical Design Engineer salaries in Leeds typically range between:<ul><li>&pound;35,000 &ndash; &pound;45,000 for mid-level engineers</li><li>&pound;45,000 &ndash; &pound;55,000 for senior engineers</li><li>&pound;55,000+ for lead engineers or design managers</li></ul>Salaries can vary depending on industry sector, machinery complexity, and leadership responsibilities.3. What experience should machinery design engineers have?Most machinery manufacturers look for engineers with experience in:<ul><li>Designing automated machinery systems</li><li>Working within capital equipment or OEM environments</li><li>CAD design software such as SolidWorks or Inventor</li><li>Producing manufacturing drawings and BOMs</li><li>Supporting machine builds and commissioning</li></ul>4. How long does it take to recruit a Design Engineer?Typical recruitment timelines range between 4&ndash;12 weeks, although this can vary depending on the seniority of the role and availability of engineers within the local market.About SimWest Engineering RecruitmentSimWest Engineering Recruitment is a specialist UK recruitment agency focused exclusively on engineering and manufacturing industries.Founded by Stephen Simpson, who has over 17 years of experience recruiting engineers within the UK manufacturing sector, SimWest works closely with engineering leaders to support the recruitment of skilled engineering professionals.Our approach focuses on:<ul><li>Understanding the technical requirements of engineering roles</li><li>Building relationships with experienced engineers across the sector</li><li>Delivering carefully selected candidates rather than large volumes of CVs</li></ul>This approach helps ensure a better match between engineering businesses and the engineers who join them.Speak With a Specialist Design Engineer RecruiterIf your business is currently hiring Design Engineers in Leeds or across Yorkshire, SimWest Engineering Recruitment would be happy to discuss how we can support your recruitment plans.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Contact SimWest Engineering Recruitment to discuss your requirements.</a>

Recruitment Agency for Design Engineers in Leeds - SimWest Engineering Recruitment

Hiring Design Engineers in Leeds

Hiring Maintenance Engineers in Manchester? SimWest Engineering Recruitment specialises in FMCG, food and machinery manufacturing engineering recruitment. Looking to hire Maintenance Engineers in Manchester? SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports food, FMCG and manufacturing companies with skilled engineers.

Hiring Maintenance Engineers in Manchester

Specialist Manufacturing &amp; FMCG Maintenance Recruitment &ndash; SimWest Engineering RecruitmentManchester and the wider Greater Manchester region remain one of the UK&rsquo;s strongest manufacturing locations, with over 6,000 manufacturing businesses operating across the region and a workforce exceeding 100,000 people across advanced manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, food production and materials processing.For manufacturing companies operating high-volume production environments, maintenance engineers play a critical role in ensuring equipment reliability, plant uptime, and continuous production output.SimWest Engineering Recruitment specialises in helping manufacturing businesses across Manchester recruit skilled:<ul><li>Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Electrically Biased Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Mechanical Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Shift Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Engineering Technicians</li><li>Reliability &amp; Asset Engineers</li></ul>With over 17 years of engineering recruitment experience, SimWest work with engineering managers, maintenance managers and operations directors to identify engineers capable of maintaining complex automated manufacturing equipment.Why Manchester Manufacturers Struggle to Hire Maintenance EngineersAcross the UK manufacturing sector, companies are facing a growing shortage of experienced engineers capable of maintaining modern automated production systems.Many manufacturing businesses in Manchester report challenges such as:Shortage of electrically biased multi-skilled engineers Maintenance engineers lacking PLC fault-finding capability Engineers with limited experience in automated production machinery Increasing competition between manufacturers for skilled maintenance staff Difficulty recruiting engineers willing to work shift patternsManufacturers are also competing in a broader labour market where skills shortages remain a major challenge across UK manufacturing, with tens of thousands of engineering vacancies reported nationwide.As automation and robotics increase across factories, the technical demands placed on maintenance engineers continue to rise.Maintenance Engineer Salary Levels in ManchesterSalary expectations for maintenance engineers in Manchester vary depending on experience, industry sector, and shift patterns.Typical salary ranges include:Maintenance Engineers &ndash; Manchester<ul><li>&pound;32,000 &ndash; &pound;38,000 for junior or early career engineers</li><li>&pound;38,000 &ndash; &pound;55,000+ for experienced multi-skilled engineers</li><li>&pound;45,000 &ndash; &pound;60,000+ for senior or shift lead engineers</li></ul>The average maintenance engineer salary in Manchester (all sectors) is around &pound;41,000 per year, with some specialist roles exceeding &pound;55,000 depending on experience and overtime potential.Many manufacturing employers also offer additional benefits such as:<ul><li>Shift allowances</li><li>Overtime premiums</li><li>Private healthcare</li><li>Pension schemes</li><li>Annual bonus schemes</li></ul>Understanding these salary benchmarks is essential when designing a competitive recruitment strategy.Manufacturing Areas in Greater Manchester With High Demand for Maintenance EngineersMaintenance engineers are in particularly high demand across several manufacturing hubs in Greater Manchester, including:<ul><li>Trafford Park - food processing, packaging machinery, automation</li><li>Stockport - precision engineering and manufacturing</li><li>Oldham - plastics, materials processing and <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/fmcg-manufacturing-recruitment-agency-uk-fmcg-engineers">FMCG production</a></li><li>Rochdale - <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/food-and-beverage-recruitment-agency-uk-engineering">food manufacturing</a> and packaging</li><li>Bolton - <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">machinery manufacturing</a> and industrial engineering</li><li>Wigan - food production and packaging plants</li><li>Bury - manufacturing and industrial processing</li></ul>Many of these locations operate 24-hour production facilities, meaning employers regularly require engineers capable of supporting:Day shift maintenance teams Continental shift patterns Nights or rotating shiftsWhat Manufacturing Employers Look For in Maintenance EngineersWhen recruiting maintenance engineers for modern manufacturing environments, engineering managers often prioritise candidates with experience maintaining automated production equipment.Typical technical skills include:Electrical Skills<ul><li>PLC fault finding (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi)</li><li>Electrical diagnostics and fault finding</li><li>Control panel wiring and electrical schematics</li><li>Inverters, sensors and drives</li></ul>Mechanical Skills<ul><li>Bearings, gearboxes and motors</li><li>Pneumatics and hydraulics</li><li>Conveyor systems and material handling equipment</li><li>Preventative maintenance and reliability improvements</li></ul>Many employers also value engineers who understand continuous improvement and production efficiency, particularly in high-volume manufacturing environments.Why Companies Use Specialist Maintenance Engineering RecruitersHiring maintenance engineers is rarely as simple as posting a job advert.Many employers discover that the best engineers are not actively applying for jobs, and instead require proactive engagement through specialist recruiters with access to engineering networks.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/">SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> supports manufacturing businesses in Manchester by:Identifying engineers with relevant machinery and industry experience Approaching passive candidates already working in manufacturing Screening candidates for technical capability and cultural fit Presenting a small number of high-quality engineers rather than large volumes of CVsThis targeted approach significantly reduces the time engineering managers spend reviewing unsuitable applications.Frequently Asked Questions when hiring Maintenance Engineers in Manchester1. How difficult is it to recruit Maintenance Engineers in Manchester?Demand for experienced maintenance engineers remains high across the region due to the concentration of manufacturing businesses operating automated production lines.Many companies report that engineers with electrical fault-finding and PLC experience are particularly difficult to attract, especially for shift-based roles.2. What industries employ Maintenance Engineers in Manchester?Maintenance engineers are employed across a wide range of manufacturing sectors, including:<ul><li>Food and beverage manufacturing</li><li>FMCG production</li><li>Packaging manufacturing</li><li>Pharmaceutical manufacturing</li><li>Plastics and materials processing</li><li>Special purpose machinery manufacturing</li></ul>Each sector requires slightly different equipment experience, which is why industry-specific recruitment knowledge is valuable.What qualifications do Maintenance Engineers typically hold?<ul><li>Common qualifications include:</li><li>Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship</li><li>NVQ Level 3 in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering</li><li>HNC or HND in Engineering</li><li>18th Edition Electrical Regulations (for electrically biased engineers)</li></ul>Many employers place significant value on practical manufacturing experience alongside formal qualifications.What shift patterns do Maintenance Engineers work?Manufacturing companies often operate continuous production schedules, meaning maintenance engineers may work:<ul><li>Days only roles Double days (early/late shifts)</li><li>Continental shifts</li><li>Permanent night shifts</li></ul>Shift patterns often increase total earnings through allowances and overtime.Maintenance Engineering Recruitment in ManchesterSimWest Engineering Recruitment supports manufacturing businesses across Manchester and the wider North West with the recruitment of skilled maintenance engineers capable of supporting modern automated manufacturing environments.Working with companies in sectors including food manufacturing, FMCG production, packaging machinery, and industrial manufacturing, we help engineering managers recruit engineers who can maintain complex plant and production equipment.If your business is currently hiring maintenance engineers in Manchester, SimWest can support with targeted recruitment strategies designed specifically for manufacturing employers.✔ <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us" style="color: #2dc26b;">Speak to a specialist engineering recruiter</a><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy" style="color: #2dc26b;">✔ Access maintenance engineers with relevant manufacturing experience</a>&nbsp;

Hiring Maintenance Engineers in Manchester - SimWest

Hiring engineers for the UK food manufacturing and FMCG industry? Discover how specialist engineering recruiters help manufacturers secure skilled engineering talent.

Hiring Engineers in the UK Food Manufacturing & FMCG Industry

Powering the UK&rsquo;s Largest Manufacturing Sector with Elite Engineering TalentThe UK food and drink manufacturing sector is a powerhouse, contributing over &pound;37 billion to the economy and employing nearly 500,000 people. However, as automation and robotics redefine the factory floor, the gap between operational goals and available engineering talent is widening.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/" style="color: #000000;">SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> bridges that gap. With over 17 years of specialist experience, we are the go-to partner for manufacturers who cannot afford downtime. &nbsp;We don't just find "engineers", we find the specific technical experts who thrive in high-speed, regulated, and 24/7 production environments.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Hire an Engineer</a> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Discuss Your Talent Strategy</a>WHY LEADING MANUFACTURERS TRUST SIMWESTFinding a recruiter who understands the difference between a generic mechanical engineer and a Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer with food-grade hygiene experience is rare. We offer:<ul><li>Deep Industry Technicality: We speak the language of OEE, PLC logic, and PM schedules.</li><li>Passive Talent Access: We maintain a proprietary network of engineers who aren't on job boards.</li><li>Sector-Specific Vetting: Every candidate is screened for their ability to handle the pressures of "just-in-time" supply chains.</li></ul>KEY ENGINEERING ROLE WE DELIVERWe provide specialist recruitment across the four pillars of modern food manufacturing:1. Maintenance &amp; ReliabilityThe backbone of production uptime. We recruit:<ul><li>Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineers (Electrical/Mechanical)</li><li>Reliability &amp; Asset Management Engineers</li><li>Engineering Team Leaders &amp; Managers</li></ul>2. Automation &amp; ControlsDriving Industry 4.0 and "Lights-Out" manufacturing:<ul><li>PLC/Controls Engineers (Siemens, Rockwell, Allen Bradley)</li><li>Robotics &amp; Systems Integration Specialists</li><li>Electrical Design Engineers</li></ul>3. Projects &amp; Capital EquipmentSupporting the installation of new lines and factory expansions:<ul><li>Project Engineers &amp; Managers</li><li>Commissioning Engineers</li><li>Mechanical Design Engineers (OEM Specialist)</li></ul>4. Process &amp; Continuous ImprovementOptimising efficiency and reducing waste<ul><li>Process Engineers</li><li>Manufacturing Engineers</li><li>Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialists</li></ul>The 2026 Engineering Landscape: Addressing the Skills ShortageThe UK food manufacturing industry faces a critical recruitment challenge. Recent data from the <a href="https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/about-fdf/">Food &amp; Drink Federation (FDF) </a>and industry benchmarks highlight a tightening market:<ul><li>The Skills Gap: Nearly 50% of food manufacturers cite engineering as their hardest role to fill.</li><li>The Tech Shift: Increasing reliance on vision inspection and robotic palletising has spiked demand for electrical-bias engineers.</li><li>Retention: In a 24/7 industry, finding engineers committed to shift patterns is a primary hurdle for HR teams.</li></ul>SimWest adds value by consulting on salary benchmarking, shift-pattern attractiveness, and employer branding to ensure you don't just hire engineers, but retain them.EXPERT INSIGHTS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1. Which recruitment agencies specialise in engineers for the food industry?Specialist agencies like SimWest Engineering Recruitment are the industry standard. Unlike generalist recruiters, we focus exclusively on the technical nuances of food and FMCG machinery, ensuring candidates understand food safety standards (BRC) and high-speed automation.2. What are the current salary benchmarks for Food Engineers?In 2026, UK salary expectations remain competitive to combat cross-sector poaching:<ul><li>Maintenance Engineers: &pound;42,000 &ndash; &pound;58,000 (depending on shift premiums).</li><li>Automation Specialists: &pound;55,000 &ndash; &pound;80,000+.</li></ul>Partner with a Sector ExpertWhether you are a global FMCG brand or a specialist regional producer, your machinery is only as good as the engineers who maintain it.SimWest Engineering Recruitment provides the technical precision your recruitment process deserves.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Contact SimWest Engineering</a>.&nbsp;

Manchester-based engineering recruitment specialist for Food & FMCG manufacturing. Expert in sourcing maintenance engineers for Food & FMCG manufacturers.

Maintenance Engineer Recruitment in Manchester & the North West

Specialist engineering recruitment for Food &amp; FMCG manufacturers&nbsp;Your Trusted Partner for Maintenance Engineer RecruitmentManchester and the wider North West are home to one of the UK&rsquo;s most vibrant food &amp; drink manufacturing clusters.&nbsp;Over 900 food and drink manufacturing and related services companies, including household names like Kraft&nbsp;Heinz, McVities, Heineken and Kellogg&rsquo;s, operate in the region. The Department for Environment, Food &amp; Rural Affairs reports that the North West generates&nbsp;&pound;3.56 billion of gross value added (GVA) from food and drink manufacturing - the highest of any English region.As demand for locally produced food and beverages grows, so does the need for skilled Maintenance Engineers to keep production lines running efficiently, safely and in compliance with strict food regulations.SimWest Engineering Recruitment is based in Manchester and has built extensive networks across Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire and Lancashire. Our specialist focus on engineering for Food &amp; FMCG manufacturing means we understand the machines, processes and skills that make your plant tick. Whether you need a Mechanical, Electrical or Multi‑Skilled Maintenance Engineer, or an Engineering Manager to lead your maintenance team, we&rsquo;re here to help.&nbsp;Why Manchester &amp; the North West?Industrial heritage &amp; talent pool:&nbsp;Manchester was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and remains the heart of the UK&rsquo;s largest manufacturing and engineering cluster. Today, the city-region boasts five universities with over 14,000 students studying STEM subjects and a highly skilled manufacturing workforce of nearly 115,000 people.Food &amp; drink super centre:&nbsp;The region&rsquo;s food and drink cluster includes over 900 manufacturing and services companies and a specialised talent pool supported by the Manchester Food Research Centre and the Centre for Robotics and Automation at Salford University.Connectivity &amp; logistics:&nbsp;With the best international connectivity outside London, Manchester is a logistics hub with multi‑modal transport links, the World Freight Terminal at Manchester Airport and proximity to the Manchester Ship Canal and Port of Liverpool. For manufacturers, this means easier access to suppliers and customers across the UK and abroad.Leading FMCG brands:&nbsp;Many globally recognised Food &amp; FMCG manufacturers have operations in the North West. SimWest has relationships with a range of these employers and understands the specific maintenance demands of high‑speed packaging lines, hygienic processing equipment and complex automation.&nbsp;The Role of Maintenance Engineers in Food &amp; FMCG ManufacturingFood and drink production uses some of the most innovative, automated equipment available. Maintenance Engineers ensure this equipment operates safely and reliably. Our <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/engineering-occupational-profiles/the-food-and-drink-maintenance-engineer-occupational-profile">Food &amp; Drink Maintenance Engineer Occupational Profile</a> explains that companies employ both Mechanical Bias, Electrical Bias, and Multi‑Skilled Maintenance Engineers to work with process and packaging equipment, programmable control systems and highly automated production lines. Their core responsibilities include routine maintenance, fault finding, diagnosis, testing, commissioning and optimisation of production systems. In a food environment, engineers must also adhere to stringent hygiene standards and ensure minimal downtime to protect product quality.With factories becoming smarter and more connected, the modern plant engineer must diagnose mechanical faults, understand control systems, work safely around robotics and interpret data from condition‑monitoring tools. Multi‑disciplinary skills and familiarity with automation are essential.&nbsp;Skills Shortages &amp; Recruitment ChallengesThe UK is facing a critical engineering skills shortage by 2026. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded a skills gap of around&nbsp;52,000 roles in manufacturing&nbsp;between November&nbsp;2025 and January&nbsp;2026, and Make UK estimates that labour shortages cost the economy&nbsp;&pound;6&nbsp;billion in lost output every year. Plant &amp; Works Engineering notes that skills shortages in maintenance and plant engineering are now a fixed constraint on UK manufacturing performance; employers compete for a small pool of experienced engineers while asset complexity increases.This shortage is particularly acute in Food &amp; FMCG manufacturing, where production lines run 24/7 and demand rapid response times. High-speed packaging, strict hygiene requirements and digital control systems require maintenance engineers with multi‑disciplinary expertise. Hiring managers often struggle to find engineers who can balance mechanical, electrical and automation skills while adhering to food safety standards.&nbsp;Why Choose SimWest Engineering Recruitment?SimWest is a specialist engineering recruitment agency headquartered in Manchester. Our team has decades of combined experience placing Maintenance Engineers into Food &amp; FMCG manufacturing environments across the North West and beyond. Here&rsquo;s why hiring managers partner with us:Specialist focus:&nbsp;We work exclusively in engineering for manufacturing &amp; machinery, with deep expertise in Food &amp; FMCG. Our consultants understand your equipment, processes and compliance requirements.Extensive network:&nbsp;Our talent pool spans Mechanical, Electrical, Multi‑Skilled and Automation Maintenance Engineers, as well as Engineering Team Leaders and Managers. We actively engage with candidates who are already employed and not visible on job boards.Local knowledge:&nbsp;Based in Manchester, we have established relationships with manufacturers across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside. This helps us identify candidates willing to commute or relocate within the region.Flexible solutions:&nbsp;Whether you need permanent hires, contract cover or retained search for niche leadership roles, we tailor our recruitment approach to your timescales and budget.Manchester is home to several large-scale generalist recruitment firms. While they have their place for high-volume, entry-level roles, the engineering sector requires a more surgical approach.<table data-path-to-node="10"><thead><tr><td>Feature</td><td>Generalist Agencies</td><td>SimWest Engineering</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Candidate Pool</td><td>Large, broad, and often "active" (those already on job boards).</td><td>Curated, niche, and "passive" (top 10% not actively looking).</td></tr><tr><td>Industry Knowledge</td><td>Broad understanding of many sectors.</td><td>Deep-dive expertise specifically in Engineering &amp; Tech.</td></tr><tr><td>Speed to Hire</td><td>Can be fast, but often results in "resume spamming."</td><td>Precise. We send 3 perfect candidates rather than 30 "maybes."</td></tr><tr><td>Local Presence</td><td>Often national hubs with a Manchester satellite office.</td><td>Deeply rooted in the Manchester and North West engineering community.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;Our Recruitment ServicesWe offer a full range of recruitment solutions to support Food &amp; FMCG manufacturers:Contingency Recruitment:&nbsp;Fast, success‑based searches for urgent Maintenance Engineer vacancies.Retained Search:&nbsp;Dedicated search campaigns for senior or highly specialised roles, ensuring you secure the best talent before your competitors.Interim &amp; Contract Solutions:&nbsp;Short‑term cover to maintain uptime during projects, seasonal peaks or planned maintenance shutdowns.Permanent Hiring:&nbsp;Long‑term appointments to build stable engineering teams and reduce staff turnover.Contact our team on&nbsp;<a href="tel:01615330850">0161&nbsp;533&nbsp;0850</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@simwestengineering.co.uk">hello@simwestengineering.co.uk</a>&nbsp;to discuss your requirements.&nbsp;FAQs for Hiring ManagersWhere can I find the best maintenance engineers?SimWest maintains a comprehensive network of maintenance professionals across Manchester and the North West. We proactively headhunt talented engineers who are not actively seeking new roles, giving you access to hidden talent.How quickly can you fill our vacancies?Our specialist focus and candidate relationships enable us to shortlist suitable engineers quickly. We use a streamlined selection process to ensure fast turnaround without compromising on quality.What types of maintenance engineers do you recruit?We recruit Mechanical, Electrical, Multi‑Skilled, Automation &amp; Controls, Facilities and Reliability Engineers, as well as Engineering Team Leaders and Maintenance Managers.How do you assess technical skills?Our consultants have engineering backgrounds and conduct detailed interviews to evaluate candidates&rsquo; experience with high-speed food production, PLC fault finding, predictive maintenance, hygiene standards and health &amp; safety compliance.What salary ranges are typical?Salaries depend on skills, shift patterns and sector. In the North West, Maintenance Engineers in Food &amp; FMCG manufacturing typically earn between &pound;40,000 and &pound;55,000, with multi‑skilled or shift-based roles commanding higher packages. We stay updated on market rates through salary surveys and job benchmarking.&nbsp;Ready to Strengthen Your Maintenance Team?If you&rsquo;re struggling to fill Maintenance Engineer vacancies in Manchester or the wider North West, talk to us. We&rsquo;ll take the time to understand your plant, culture and technical needs, and introduce you to engineers who will keep your production lines moving.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Get in Touch with SimWest</a>&nbsp;

Maintenance Engineer Recruitment Manchester | Food & FMCG Specialists | SimWest

Specialist Design Engineer recruitment for Special Purpose Machinery manufacturers. SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports UK OEMs building automation & industrial equipment. Recruitment specialists for Design Engineers in Special Purpose Machinery, automation and industrial equipment manufacturing. Supporting UK engineering companies.

Design Engineer Recruitment for Special‑Purpose Machinery & Capital Equipment

The Role of Design Engineers in Bespoke ManufacturingDesign engineers convert concepts into robust, efficient machines. In manufacturers of special‑purpose machinery and industrial capital equipment, such as automated packaging lines, assembly systems and bespoke process equipment, no two projects are the same. These engineers carry out research and development, design components using computer‑aided design (CAD) software, collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams, build and test prototypes and ensure the final machine meets regulatory and safety standards. Strong design prevents costly rework and enhances product performance: careful selection of materials, tolerances and geometry affects functionality, cost and quality.Special‑purpose machines are tailored to the client&rsquo;s process rather than bought off‑the‑shelf. By designing around specific requirements, engineers can improve productivity, reduce waste and ensure the equipment integrates smoothly with existing systems. Success in these projects demands both creativity and technical rigour; typical tools include 3D CAD platforms (e.g., SolidWorks&reg;, Inventor&reg; and AutoCAD&reg;) and simulation methods such as finite‑element analysis to verify strength and performance. Design engineers also need collaboration and communication skills to coordinate with manufacturing teams and stakeholders.Why Partner with SimWest for Design‑Engineering TalentSpecialist focus on machinery manufacturingSimWest Engineering Recruitment is a UK‑based agency dedicated to engineering roles. We connect technical talent with manufacturers of bespoke machinery and industrial equipment and cover design, maintenance, automation and project disciplines. Our team understands the nuances of design projects, from CAD standards to safety regulations, meaning we can identify candidates who not only meet the technical requirements but also appreciate manufacturability and compliance. We operate nationwide from Manchester and support clients across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, North East and Scotland, as well as working on international assignments.Insightful, quality‑driven recruitmentRecruiting for design engineers requires more than reading CVs. We invest time to understand your product range, project pipeline and workplace culture. This insight allows us to present a focused shortlist of engineers who have the right CAD expertise, sector background and soft skills. SimWest&rsquo;s consultants are specialists rather than generalists; we prioritise long‑term success over volume, offering candid advice on market conditions and salary benchmarks. Companies that value quality, retention and honest feedback will benefit most from our approach.Adaptable solutions for project‑driven businessesManufacturers of special‑purpose machines often work to project‑specific timelines. Hiring needs can spike when new contracts are secured and quieten when projects finish. Industry guidance emphasises that recruitment strategies must be adaptable to meet these fluctuations. SimWest offers permanent, fixed‑term and contract recruitment to give you flexibility while maintaining quality. Our network of pre‑screened design engineers enables us to fill roles quickly when deadlines loom.Design‑Engineering Roles We RecruitWe source engineers across the full lifecycle of design and development. Key roles include:Mechanical Design EngineerKey software/skills: 3D CAD (SolidWorks&reg;, Inventor&reg;, CATIA), stress and materials analysis, prototype testingTypical applications: Designing bespoke machinery, packaging equipment, process systemsElectrical Design EngineerKey software/skills: EPLAN, AutoCAD&reg; Electrical; PLC/HMI/SCADA integration; understanding of power and control circuits, integration with sensors and actuators.Typical applications: Control Panels, Motor drives, safety circuits, power distribution for capital equipmentCAD Draughtsperson / TechnicianKey software/skills: 2D/3D drafting, technical drawing standards, data managementTypical applications: Translating concepts into detailed engineering drawings for fabricationProject Engineer / Project ManagerKey software/skills: Project planning, procurement, cross‑functional coordinationTypical applications: Delivering complex machinery projects from concept to installationDesign Manager / Engineering ManagerKey software/skills: Team leadership, design review, product strategyTypical applications: Overseeing design teams and aligning engineering output with business goalsWe also work with other engineering professionals involved in the design lifecycle, including mechanical fitters, production engineers and technical authors.Our Recruitment Process<ol><li>Discovery - We discuss your technology, design principles and company culture to build a detailed brief. This ensures we understand the context of your project and the technical challenges involved.</li><li> Search &amp; screening - Leveraging our specialist network and targeted search, we identify design engineers with the right combination of CAD proficiency, problem‑solving ability and industry experience. We assess both technical and interpersonal skills.</li><li>Shortlisting - We present a carefully considered shortlist of candidates and arrange interviews. Throughout this stage we share insights on market availability and remuneration, helping you make informed decisions.</li><li>Offer &amp; follow‑up - Once you select a candidate, we assist with offer negotiation and onboarding. Post‑placement, we check in with both client and candidate to ensure the appointment is delivering value.</li></ol>Sectors &amp; Geographic CoverageOur design‑engineering recruitment spans:<ul><li>Special‑purpose machinery - bespoke packaging, assembly and automation equipment for sectors like food &amp; drink, FMCG Manufacturing, Can Making, Waste Recycling, Logistics, Bulk Material Handling, etc.</li><li>Industrial capital equipment - heavy machinery and high‑value process systems used in manufacturing and processing.</li><li>Process industries - chemicals, pharmaceuticals and recycling operations requiring custom machinery and equipment.</li></ul>Based in Manchester, we support employers across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, North East, Scotland, Wales and beyond. International assignments are also undertaken when clients require specialist expertise.Learn MoreIf you need to hire design engineers or build a team for bespoke machinery projects, SimWest can help. Explore related services:<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers">Engineering Recruitment Services </a>&ndash; overview of our engineering specialisms.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">Special‑Purpose Machinery Recruitment</a> &ndash; deeper insight into recruitment for custom machinery manufacturers.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Submit a Vacancy</a> &ndash; share your design‑engineering role requirements.SimWest believes that effective recruitment is grounded in understanding the technical intricacies of design engineering. By partnering with a specialist agency, you can be confident that the engineers we recommend will help turn your concepts into reliable and efficient machines.

Design Engineer Recruitment for Machinery Manufacturers | SimWest

Recruit design engineers in Manchester and across the UK with SimWest Engineering Recruitment. Specialists in mechanical, electrical and design manager hires for machinery, capital equipment and engineering projects.

Recruit Design Engineers

Specialist Design Engineer Recruitment for Machinery, Capital Equipment &amp; Engineering Projects&nbsp;Recruiting the right design engineers is critical to the success of any engineering project. Whether you are developing bespoke special purpose machinery, scaling a process plant, or delivering high-value capital equipment, the quality of your design team directly impacts performance, reliability, and long-term operational efficiency.At SimWest Engineering Recruitment, we specialise in design engineer recruitment for complex engineering environments. With over 17 years of experience supporting UK manufacturers and OEMs, we connect businesses with high-calibre mechanical and electrical design engineers who turn concepts into robust, manufacturable solutions.If you are looking to recruit design engineers in Manchester or across the UK, we provide a targeted, specialist service built around technical understanding and long-term hiring success.SPECIALIST DESIGN ENGINEERING RECRUITMENT EXPERTISEWe recruit across the full spectrum of engineering design disciplines, supporting businesses involved in machinery design, industrial equipment, and process systems.<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineers Experienced in 2D and 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo), with strong knowledge of materials, tolerances, and design for manufacture (DFM) and assembly (DFA).</li><li>Electrical Design Engineers Specialists in EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical, delivering control panel design, power distribution systems, and integrated automation solutions.</li><li>Design Managers &amp; Engineering Leaders Proven leaders who bridge the gap between engineering design and project delivery, managing teams, improving processes, and aligning technical output with commercial objectives.</li></ul>DESIGN ENGINEER RECRUITMENT FOR HIGH-VALUE ENGINEERING SECTORSUnlike generalist recruitment agencies, SimWest focuses specifically on the environments where design precision and engineering understanding are critical.We support recruitment across:<ul><li>Special Purpose Machinery (SPM) Automated assembly lines, bespoke production systems, robotics, and high-speed packaging machinery.</li><li>Capital Equipment &amp; Industrial Machinery Heavy-duty and high-investment equipment where reliability, lifecycle performance, and compliance are essential.</li><li>Process Plant &amp; Engineering Projects Fluid handling systems, thermal processing equipment, materials handling, and complex process installations.</li><li>Food &amp; FMCG Manufacturing Equipment Hygienic design, washdown environments, and high-care production systems requiring specialist engineering expertise.</li></ul>RECRUIT DESIGN ENGINEERS IN MANCHESTER &amp; ACROSS THE UKBased in Manchester, SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports engineering businesses across:Greater Manchester North West England Yorkshire &amp; the Midlands UK-wide engineering and manufacturing organisationsWe combine local market knowledge with a national network of specialist design engineers, giving you access to talent that is often not visible through traditional job advertising.WHY PARTNER WITH SIMWEST TO RECRUIT DESIGN ENGINEERS1. Technical Understanding That Reduces Hiring RiskWe understand the difference between a CAD operator and a true design engineer. Whether your requirement involves FEA, machine design, or hygienic design for food-grade equipment, we identify candidates with the right technical depth and application experience.2. Headhunting-Led Approach (Not CV Volume)We proactively target high-performing, passive engineers who are not actively applying for jobs but are open to the right opportunity. This results in:Higher-quality shortlists Better cultural fit Improved long-term retention3. Specialist Network in Machinery &amp; ManufacturingWith over 17 years focused on engineering recruitment, we have built a strong network across:OEM machinery manufacturers Capital equipment suppliers Food &amp; FMCG production environmentsThis allows us to provide real-time insight into:<ul><li>Salary benchmarks</li><li>Talent availability</li><li>Hiring trends across the Uk</li></ul>4. Proven, Structured Recruitment ProcessOur process is designed to reduce time-to-hire while maintaining quality:<ul><li>Technical Briefing &ndash; Understanding your equipment, projects, and design requirements</li><li>Targeted Search &amp; Headhunting &ndash; Identifying relevant, high-calibre engineers</li><li>Technical &amp; Cultural Screening &ndash; Assessing capability, experience, and long-term fit</li><li>Offer &amp; Placement Support &ndash; Managing the process through to successful hire</li></ul>&nbsp;5. 6-Month Placement GuaranteeWe stand behind the quality of our work, providing peace of mind and reducing hiring risk.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: RECRUITING DESIGN ENGINEERSHow do I recruit a design engineer in the UK?The most effective approach combines targeted headhunting with technical screening. Many of the best design engineers are not actively applying for roles, so working with a specialist recruitment partner significantly improves access to talent.Q. What skills should a design engineer have?This depends on your sector, but typically includes:<ul><li>Strong CAD capability (SolidWorks, Inventor, EPLAN, etc.)</li><li>Understanding of manufacturing processes</li><li>Experience with machinery, automation, or process systems</li><li>Problem-solving and project delivery experience</li></ul>Q. How long does it take to hire a design engineer?For specialist roles, hiring typically takes 4&ndash;8 weeks, depending on complexity, location, and salary competitiveness. However, through our extensive candidate network and headhunting-led approach, SimWest can often reduce this timeframe significantly by accessing high-calibre engineers we already know, have relationships with, and have pre-screened.Q. What is the salary for design engineers in the UK?Salaries vary based on experience and sector, but typical ranges are:<ul><li>Design Engineers: &pound;35,000 &ndash; &pound;55,000</li><li>Senior / Lead Engineers: &pound;50,000 &ndash; &pound;60,000+</li><li>Design Managers: &pound;55,000 &ndash; &pound;80,000+</li></ul>Q. Why use a specialist design engineer recruitment agency?Specialist recruiters understand the technical requirements, industry challenges, and talent landscape. This leads to:<ul><li>Better candidate quality</li><li>Faster hiring</li><li>Reduced risk of a poor hire</li></ul>READY TO RECRUIT DESIGN ENGINEERS?If you are looking to hire design engineers who can deliver real impact, SimWest Engineering Recruitment provides a specialist, consultative approach tailored to your sector.Whether you need a Mechanical Design Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, or Design Manager, we can support your hiring requirements across Manchester and the wider UK.&nbsp; Contact SimWest Engineering Recruitment today to discuss your requirements or gain insight into the current design engineering market.<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Contact SimWest Today</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Upload a Vacancy</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/blogs">View our Engineering Insights</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recruit Design Engineers | Specialist Engineering Recruitment Agency | SimWest

Top engineering recruiters in Manchester specialising in Food, FMCG & machinery sectors. SimWest Engineering Recruitment connects businesses with high-calibre engineers through targeted, precision-led hiring.

Top Engineering Recruiters in Manchester | SimWest Engineering Recruitment

Engineering Recruitment in Manchester Isn&rsquo;t About Volume. It&rsquo;s About Precision.If you search for top engineering recruiters in Manchester, you&rsquo;ll find plenty of agencies.Most will send CVs.Very few will deliver the right engineer, with the right technical background, who actually fits your business long-term.That&rsquo;s where SimWest Engineering Recruitment is different.With over 17 years of specialist experience, we support manufacturing, FMCG, and machinery-based businesses across Manchester and the wider UK, delivering high-calibre engineers where performance genuinely matters.Top Engineering Recruiters in ManchesterWhen businesses search for the best engineering recruitment agencies in Manchester, they are typically comparing three types of recruiters:<ol><li> SimWest Engineering Recruitment (Specialist Engineering Recruiters): Focused exclusively on engineering &amp; manufacturing Deep understanding of machinery, automation, and FMCG environments Headhunting passive, high-calibre engineers Quality-driven, not volume-led</li></ol><ol start="2"><li> Generalist Recruitment Agencies: Recruit across multiple industries Limited technical understanding Often rely on active job seekers</li></ol><ol start="3"><li> Job Board-Driven Recruiters: High-volume CV senders Reactive approach Limited candidate qualification</li></ol>The difference?Specialist recruiters consistently deliver stronger long-term hires.Why SimWest Is Considered One of the Top Engineering Recruiters in ManchesterSpecialists in Engineering &amp; Manufacturing - Not GeneralistsWe operate exclusively within:<ul><li>Food &amp; Beverage Manufacturing</li><li>FMCG Production</li><li>Special Purpose Machinery &amp; OEMs</li><li>Capital Equipment &amp; Automation</li><li>Process &amp; Packaging Machinery</li></ul>Every conversation is grounded in real engineering understanding - not keyword matching.We Find Engineers Others Can&rsquo;t ReachThe best engineers in Manchester are not applying for jobs.They are:<ul><li>Leading projects</li><li>Improving production lines</li><li>Designing machinery</li><li>Keeping factories running</li></ul>We specialise in headhunting passive talent, not relying on job boards.Proven Results in Engineering Recruitment built long-term partnerships with UK manufacturers and OEMs.Quality Over Quantity - AlwaysYou won&rsquo;t receive a stack of irrelevant CVs.Instead, you get:<ul><li>A small, highly targeted shortlist</li><li>Engineers pre-qualified technically and culturally</li><li>Candidates who fully understand the opportunity before interview</li></ul>A Recruitment Process Built Around Engineering RealityWe understand:<ul><li>The distinction between electrical and mechanical bias, and true multi-skilled competency in Maintenance Engineers.</li><li>The difference between a Design Engineer and a Design Manager</li><li>What &ldquo;hands-on&rdquo; actually means in a manufacturing environment</li><li>The importance of DFM, automation integration, and project delivery</li></ul>Because of this, we represent your business properly in the market - which is critical when engaging high-calibre engineers.Engineering Roles We Recruit for in ManchesterWe support businesses across Manchester and the North West with:Operations &amp; Maintenance<ul><li>Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineers</li><li>Engineering Managers</li><li>Reliability &amp; Continuous Improvement Engineers</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/our-process/hiring-maintenance-engineers-in-manchester-simwest">Hiring Maintenance Engineers in Manchester</a>Design &amp; Projects<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineers</li><li>Electrical Design Engineers (EPLAN / AutoCAD Electrical)</li><li>Design Managers &amp; Lead Engineers</li><li>Project Engineers &amp; Project Managers</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/our-process/recruit-design-engineers">Recruit Design Engineers</a>Automation &amp; Controls<ul><li>Controls Engineers</li><li>PLC Programmers (Siemens / Allen-Bradley)</li><li>Automation Engineers</li></ul>Sales &amp; Commercial Engineering<ul><li>Technical Sales Engineers</li><li>Sales Managers (Capital Equipment / Machinery)</li><li>Applications Engineers</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/the-challenges-selling-special-purpose-machinery-165?navigation=true">The Challenges of Selling Special Purpose Machinery</a>Supporting Manchester&rsquo;s Engineering &amp; Manufacturing SectorManchester remains one of the UK&rsquo;s strongest engineering hubs, driven by:<ul><li>Advanced manufacturing</li><li>Food production &amp; FMCG</li><li>Machinery and OEM innovation</li><li>Automation and digitalisation</li></ul>However, the ability to attract and secure the right engineering talent has never been more critical.<blockquote>"With 76% of engineering employers struggling to fill technical roles this year, the competition for talent in the North West has reached a four-year high."</blockquote>Whether your facility is based in Trafford Park, Rochdale, or the Stockport manufacturing belt, we map the local talent pools that generalist London-based agencies can't see. Our deep local presence allows us to navigate these shortages by engaging talent before it ever reaches the open market.Our Approach to Engineering Recruitment1. Understanding Your Business ProperlyWe take time to understand:<ul><li>Your engineering environment</li><li>Project complexity</li><li>The type of individual who succeeds in your team</li></ul>2. Targeted HeadhuntingWe map the market and approach engineers with the right:<ul><li>Technical background</li><li>Industry experience</li><li>Career motivations</li></ul>3. Engaging the Right CandidatesWe position your opportunity around:<ul><li>Technical challenge</li><li>Long-term progression</li><li>Culture and leadership</li></ul>4. Delivering Shortlists That Make SenseEvery candidate is:<ul><li>Pre-qualified</li><li>Fully briefed</li><li>Interested for the right reasons</li></ul>Why Clients Choose SimWest Engineering Recruitment<ul><li>Specialist in engineering &amp; manufacturing recruitment ✔&nbsp;</li><li>Deep understanding of machinery, automation, and FMCG ✔&nbsp;</li><li>Access to passive, high-calibre engineers ✔&nbsp;</li><li>No placement, no fee ✔&nbsp;</li><li>6-month guarantee on every placement ✔&nbsp;</li><li>Trusted by UK manufacturers and OEMs ✔&nbsp;</li></ul>Engineering Recruitment in Manchester &ndash; Built for Long-Term SuccessRecruiting engineers isn&rsquo;t just about filling a vacancy.It&rsquo;s about:<ul><li>Protecting productivity</li><li>Delivering projects</li><li>Supporting growth</li><li>Retaining engineering knowledge</li></ul>At SimWest Engineering Recruitment, we focus on long-term hiring success - not short-term fixes.Frequently Asked Questions &ndash; Engineering Recruiters in ManchesterQ. What do engineering recruiters in Manchester charge?A. Most specialist agencies operate on a success-based model, typically a percentage of the candidate&rsquo;s salary. At SimWest, we offer a no placement, no fee service with a 6-month guarantee.Q. How do you find engineers who aren&rsquo;t applying for jobs?A. We use targeted headhunting, industry mapping, and direct engagement with passive candidates working within relevant engineering environments.Q. How long does it take to hire an engineer in Manchester?A. Timelines vary depending on the role, but most projects deliver shortlisted candidates within 1-2 weeks.Q. What industries do you specialise in?A. We focus on engineering and manufacturing environments, particularly FMCG, food production, machinery, and capital equipment.Looking for One of the Top Engineering Recruiters in Manchester?If you&rsquo;re hiring and need a recruiter who understands engineering properly:<a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Speak to SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a>We&rsquo;ll give you:<ul><li>A clear view of your hiring market</li><li>Honest advice on salary and expectations</li><li>Access to engineers you won&rsquo;t find on job boards</li></ul>Specialist engineering recruitment for manufacturing &amp; machinery sectors

Top Engineering Recruiters in Manchester

Specialist Mechanical Design Engineer recruitment for OEM machinery, automation, special purpose machinery and manufacturing businesses across Manchester, the North West and the UK.

Mechanical Design Engineer Recruitment

<h3>Mechanical Design Engineer Recruitment</h3>Recruiting Mechanical Design Engineers in machinery and manufacturing environments requires more than matching a CAD package to a job title. Employers need engineers who understand design for manufacture, mechanical assemblies, fabrication, sheet metal, pneumatic systems, guarding, tolerancing, build support and practical machinery constraints.SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports OEMs, automation businesses, special purpose machinery manufacturers and wider manufacturing companies across Manchester, the North West and the UK.<h3>Recruiting Mechanical Design Engineers</h3>Mechanical Design Engineers play a critical role in the development, improvement and delivery of machinery, automation systems and manufacturing equipment. The right engineer can improve machine performance, simplify assembly, reduce manufacturing costs and support successful project delivery from concept through to commissioning.At SimWest Engineering Recruitment, we support businesses hiring Mechanical Design Engineers across a wide range of engineering environments, including:<ul><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">Special purpose machinery</a></li><li>OEM machine manufacturing Industrial automation</li><li>Conveyor and materials handling systems</li><li>Robotics and automated production equipment</li><li>Food and FMCG machinery</li><li>Packaging machinery</li><li>Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment</li><li>Process machinery</li><li>Heavy engineering and fabricated equipment</li></ul>We recruit for permanent and contract Mechanical Design Engineer positions, supporting businesses that need anything from junior design support through to senior project-led engineering capability.<h3>What Makes Machinery Design Recruitment Different?</h3>Mechanical design recruitment within machinery manufacturing is highly specialised. Many candidates may have strong CAD experience, but not every engineer has experience designing machinery that works effectively in real-world manufacturing environments.Successful Mechanical Design Engineers often need experience in areas such as:<ul><li>Design for manufacture (DFM)</li><li>Mechanical assemblies and moving mechanisms</li><li>Pneumatic and hydraulic systems</li><li>Sheet metal and fabrication design</li><li>Machined components and tolerancing</li><li>Guarding and machinery safety considerations</li><li>Build and assembly support</li><li>Supplier interaction and component selection</li><li>Prototype development and machine modifications</li><li>Cross-functional project collaboration</li></ul>Recruiting within machinery and automation environments also means assessing how engineers work with production, controls engineering, project management and workshop teams - not simply their ability to produce CAD drawings.<h3>Typical Roles We Support</h3>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports hiring across a range of mechanical design and engineering positions, including:<ul><li>Mechanical Design Engineer</li><li>Senior Mechanical Design Engineer</li><li>Lead Mechanical Design Engineer</li><li>Design Team Leader</li><li>Project Design Engineer</li><li>Applications Design Engineer</li><li>R&amp;D Design Engineer</li><li>Machinery Design Engineer</li><li>Automation Design Engineer</li><li>Product Design Engineer</li><li>CAD Engineer Design</li><li>Draughtsperson</li><li>Mechanical Project Engineer</li><li>Development Engineer</li></ul>We recruit for businesses using a variety of CAD systems including SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, AutoCAD and Siemens NX.<h3>Skills to Assess When Hiring Mechanical Design Engineers</h3>Hiring the right Mechanical Design Engineer requires a balanced assessment of technical capability, practical engineering understanding and communication skills.Key areas employers should assess include:CAD &amp; Technical Design Capability3D CAD proficiency Assembly modelling Detail drawings and manufacturing drawings Tolerancing and GD&amp;T understanding BOM creation Design calculationsMachinery &amp; Manufacturing KnowledgeFabrication and sheet metal design Machining limitations and manufacturability Pneumatics and motion systems Mechanical drive systems Machine safety awareness Build and commissioning supportCommercial &amp; Project AwarenessCost-conscious design Ability to work to project deadlines Change management Supplier communication Problem solving during machine build phases Cross-functional collaboration<h3>Common Hiring Challenges</h3>Many manufacturing and machinery businesses face similar challenges when recruiting Mechanical Design Engineers, particularly across Manchester and the wider North West engineering market.Common issues include:<ul><li>High demand for experienced machinery design engineers</li><li>Candidates with CAD skills but limited machinery design exposure</li><li>Engineers lacking practical manufacturing understanding</li><li>Competition from larger OEMs and automation businesses</li><li>Counter-offers delaying recruitment processes</li><li>Limited availability of engineers with sector-specific experience</li><li>Difficulty assessing practical engineering capability during interviews</li></ul>Hiring delays can impact project delivery, customer lead times and engineering team workloads, making efficient recruitment processes increasingly important.<h3>Mechanical Design Engineer Salary Benchmarking</h3>Mechanical Design Engineer salaries vary depending on sector, technical complexity, machinery experience, CAD exposure and project responsibility. The <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/2026-design-engineering-salary-survey-177">SimWest 2026 Design Engineering Salary Survey Report</a> showed the median salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer was &pound;43,589.Typical salary factors include:<ul><li>Seniority level</li><li>Machinery or automation experience</li><li>Industry sector</li><li>Project ownership responsibilities</li><li>Leadership or mentoring duties</li><li>Location within the UK</li></ul>Across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK, demand for experienced Mechanical Design Engineers within OEM machinery and automation environments remains consistently strong, particularly for engineers with practical build knowledge and customer-facing project exposure.SimWest Engineering Recruitment can provide current market guidance, salary benchmarking and hiring insight based on live recruitment activity across the machinery and manufacturing sectors.<h3>Why Use SimWest Engineering Recruitment?</h3>SimWest Engineering Recruitment focuses specifically on engineering recruitment within machinery manufacturing, automation and industrial engineering environments.We understand the difference between general mechanical design experience and the practical engineering capability required within OEM and manufacturing businesses.Employers work with SimWest because we understand:<ul><li>Machinery and automation engineering environments</li><li>The technical differences between design engineering disciplines</li><li>The importance of practical manufacturing knowledge</li><li>Engineering project delivery pressures</li><li>Candidate motivations within the manufacturing sector</li><li>Regional hiring challenges across the UK</li></ul>We aim to provide straightforward, responsive recruitment support focused on finding engineers that fit both technically and operationally.<h3>Hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer for your machinery or manufacturing business?</h3>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports employers across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK with specialist engineering recruitment for OEM machinery, automation and manufacturing environments.Speak to SimWest about:<ul><li>Permanent Mechanical Design Engineer recruitment</li><li>Contract and interim design engineering support</li><li>Salary benchmarking Recruitment process support</li><li>Market insight and candidate availability</li><li>Urgent project-based hiring requirements</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Submit your vacancy</a> today or <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">contact SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> to discuss your Mechanical Design Engineer hiring requirements.

Mechanical Design Engineer Recruitment | Machinery & Manufacturing

Specialist Senior Design Engineer recruitment for OEM machinery, automation and manufacturing companies needing technical ownership, project responsibility and design leadership.

Senior Design Engineer Recruitment

<h3>Senior Design Engineer Recruitment</h3>Senior Design Engineers often sit between hands-on design and formal leadership. In OEM machinery, automation and manufacturing environments, they may take ownership of projects, support junior engineers, deal with customers, solve design problems during manufacture and influence technical decisions before a role is ever called &ldquo;lead&rdquo; or &ldquo;manager&rdquo;.The SimWest salary survey found that responsibility is a major indicator of value, with many Design Engineers involved in project ownership, customer interaction and mentoring.SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports machinery manufacturers, OEMs, automation companies and industrial engineering businesses across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK with specialist Senior Design Engineer recruitment.<h3>What Defines a Senior Design Engineer?</h3>Senior Design Engineers are typically expected to contribute beyond core CAD and design responsibilities. While technical design capability remains essential, employers are often hiring for broader engineering judgement, project ownership and problem-solving capability.In machinery manufacturing and automation environments, Senior Design Engineers are commonly responsible for:<ul><li>Managing complex machinery or automation design projects</li><li>Supporting machine build and commissioning activities</li><li>Solving engineering issues during manufacture</li><li>Supporting customer meetings and technical discussions</li><li>Reviewing and approving design work</li><li>Coordinating with controls, production and project teams</li><li>Supporting design standards and engineering processes</li><li>Mentoring junior engineers and design staff&nbsp;</li></ul>The role often bridges the gap between hands-on engineering and technical leadership, particularly within growing OEM and special purpose machinery businesses.<h3>Technical Ownership vs Job Title</h3>In many engineering businesses, seniority is not always reflected purely through job titles. Some highly capable Senior Design Engineers may not officially hold lead or management positions but still carry significant technical responsibility across projects and engineering teams.Employers recruiting at senior level are often looking for engineers who can:<ul><li>Take ownership of machinery designs from concept through to build</li><li>Make practical engineering decisions independently</li><li>Reduce technical risk during projects</li><li>Identify manufacturability issues early</li><li>Support customer-driven design changes</li><li>Balance engineering quality with project deadlines</li><li>Communicate effectively across departments&nbsp;</li></ul>This level of responsibility is particularly important within OEM machinery and automation businesses where project delivery pressures can change rapidly during manufacture and commissioning phases.<h3>Project Responsibility and Customer Interaction</h3>Many Senior Design Engineers work closely with customers, suppliers and internal project stakeholders throughout machinery build programmes.Responsibilities may include:<ul><li>Customer design review meetings</li><li>Technical problem solving</li><li>Site visits and commissioning support</li><li>Supplier coordination</li><li>Specification reviews</li><li>Design modifications during build</li><li>Risk reduction and fault resolution</li><li>Supporting project delivery timelines&nbsp;</li></ul>Engineers with strong customer-facing communication skills are often highly valued, particularly within bespoke machinery and capital equipment environments where projects evolve throughout the design and build cycle.<h3>Mentoring and Design Review Capability</h3>Senior Design Engineers frequently support the wider development of engineering teams, even where they do not have direct management responsibility.Many employers value engineers who can:<ul><li>Mentor junior design engineers</li><li>Review CAD models and technical drawings</li><li>Improve engineering documentation standards</li><li>Share practical manufacturing knowledge</li><li>Support graduate engineers</li><li>Improve design processes and workflows</li><li>Assist with technical decision-making&nbsp;</li></ul>Strong mentoring capability can help improve engineering consistency, reduce project errors and strengthen long-term team performance.<h3>Salary Expectations</h3>Senior Design Engineer salaries vary depending on industry sector, machinery complexity, project ownership responsibilities and leadership expectations.The <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/2026-design-engineering-salary-survey-177">SimWest 2026 Design Engineering Salary Survey</a> highlighted increased demand for Senior Design Engineers involved in:<ul><li>OEM machinery design</li><li>Industrial automation projects</li><li>Customer-facing engineering support</li><li>Multi-project environments</li><li>Team mentoring responsibilities</li><li>Full project lifecycle delivery&nbsp;</li></ul>The survey also showed that the median salary for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer was &pound;52,082, while the median salary for a Senior Electrical Design Engineer was &pound;57,499, reflecting the continued demand for experienced senior-level engineering capability across machinery manufacturing and automation sectors.Across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK engineering market, Senior Design Engineers with practical machinery experience and strong commercial awareness continue to command strong salaries, particularly within automation and special purpose machinery sectors.Salary expectations are commonly influenced by:<ul><li>Project ownership responsibility </li><li>Leadership or mentoring duties </li><li>Industry sector experience </li><li>Machinery or automation background </li><li>Customer interaction exposure </li><li>CAD platform experience </li><li>Build and commissioning support capability&nbsp;</li></ul>SimWest Engineering Recruitment can provide current salary benchmarking and market insight based on live Senior Design Engineer recruitment activity across manufacturing and machinery sectors.<h3>Hiring Risks</h3>Hiring the wrong Senior Design Engineer can create wider project and operational issues beyond technical design problems alone.Common hiring risks include:<ul><li>Strong CAD capability but limited practical engineering judgement</li><li>Engineers lacking customer-facing communication skills</li><li>Limited machinery manufacturing exposure</li><li>Weak project ownership capability</li><li>Poor understanding of build and assembly constraints</li><li>Lack of mentoring or team support experience</li><li>Difficulty managing design changes under project pressure&nbsp;</li></ul>In many machinery and automation businesses, Senior Design Engineers directly influence project delivery performance, engineering standards and customer relationships.<h3>Search Approach</h3>Senior Design Engineer recruitment often requires a targeted and highly technical search approach.Many strong candidates are not actively applying for jobs but may consider opportunities offering:<ul><li>Greater project ownership</li><li>More technically challenging machinery projects</li><li>Better long-term progression</li><li>Increased autonomy</li><li>Stronger engineering environments</li><li>Improved flexibility or work-life balance&nbsp;</li></ul>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports employers through targeted search, technical screening and sector-focused recruitment processes designed specifically for machinery manufacturing and automation environments.We recruit Senior Design Engineers across:<ul><li>OEM machinery manufacturing</li><li>Industrial automation</li><li>Food and FMCG equipment</li><li>Packaging machinery</li><li>Robotics and special purpose machinery</li><li>Process engineering equipment</li><li>Conveyor and materials handling systems</li><li>Bespoke industrial equipment manufacturing&nbsp;</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Submit a Senior Design Engineer Vacancy</a>Hiring a Senior Design Engineer for your machinery or manufacturing business?SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports employers across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK with specialist recruitment for senior-level design engineering and machinery project delivery roles.Speak to SimWest about:<ul><li>Permanent Senior Design Engineer recruitment</li><li>Contract and interim design engineering support</li><li>Salary benchmarking and market insight</li><li>Project-led engineering hiring</li><li>Machinery and automation recruitment</li><li>Confidential and targeted engineering search&nbsp;</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">Contact SimWest Engineering Recruitment</a> to discuss your Senior Design Engineer hiring requirements.

Senior Design Engineer Recruitment | OEM Machinery & Automation

Specialist Design Manager recruitment for OEM machinery, automation and manufacturing businesses needing technical leadership, project ownership and design team management.

Design Manager Recruitment | OEM Machinery & Automation

<h3>Design Manager Recruitment</h3>Recruiting a Design Manager in OEM machinery and automation requires more than finding someone who has managed a design team. Employers need technically credible engineering leaders who understand machinery design, project delivery, customer requirements, manufacturing constraints, design reviews and the practical realities of getting equipment built, tested and installed.SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports OEM machinery manufacturers, automation businesses, <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">special purpose machinery</a> companies and wider manufacturing organisations across Manchester, the North West and the UK with specialist Design Manager recruitment.<h3>What Defines a Design Manager?</h3>A <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/engineering-occupational-profiles/design-manager-occupational-profile">Design Manager</a> is typically defined by technical leadership, project responsibility and the ability to get the best from a design engineering team. In OEM machinery and automation environments, the role often sits between hands-on engineering, project delivery, customer communication and people management.Strong Design Managers are usually responsible for ensuring that design work is accurate, commercially practical, manufacturable and delivered in line with customer and project requirements.In machinery and automation businesses, a Design Manager may be responsible for:<ul><li>Managing Mechanical Design Engineers, Electrical Design Engineers, CAD Engineers and Design Draughtspeople</li><li>Reviewing technical drawings, models and design documentation</li><li>Supporting concept design and technical problem solving</li><li>Managing design workloads across multiple projects</li><li>Improving engineering processes and standards</li><li>Supporting customer meetings and technical reviews</li><li>Coordinating with production, controls, projects and commissioning teams</li><li>Reducing design errors, rework and project risk</li><li>Mentoring junior and developing engineers&nbsp;</li></ul>The best Design Managers combine technical credibility with clear communication, practical engineering judgement and the ability to keep projects moving.<h3>Technical Ownership</h3>Design Manager recruitment becomes more complex when the role carries significant technical ownership. In many OEM machinery and automation businesses, the Design Manager is still expected to influence technical decisions, review engineering work and support problem solving during build and commissioning.Employers often need Design Managers who can take ownership of:<ul><li>Engineering design standards</li><li>CAD processes and drawing quality</li><li>Design for manufacture</li><li>Machinery safety and guarding considerations</li><li>Mechanical assemblies and moving mechanisms</li><li>Pneumatics, hydraulics and automation interfaces</li><li>Technical risk during project delivery</li><li>Supplier and component selection</li><li>Engineering change control</li><li>Continuous improvement within the design function&nbsp;</li></ul>This is where recruitment needs to go beyond job title matching. A candidate may have &ldquo;Design Manager&rdquo; on their CV, but the real question is whether they have the technical depth, machinery experience and leadership style needed for the environment.<h3>Project Responsibility and Customer Interaction</h3>Design Managers in OEM machinery and automation are often heavily involved in project delivery. They may support customer meetings, technical clarification, design reviews, project changes and issue resolution during manufacture or installation.Typical project-related responsibilities include:<ul><li>Translating customer requirements into practical machinery solutions</li><li>Supporting project kick-off and design review meetings</li><li>Managing design timelines and engineering resource</li><li>Resolving technical issues during manufacture and assembly</li><li>Supporting commissioning, installation and site-related engineering queries</li><li>Communicating design changes to customers, suppliers and internal teams</li><li>Balancing technical quality with cost, timescale and delivery pressures&nbsp;</li></ul>Employers often value Design Managers who can communicate clearly with both engineers and non-technical stakeholders. This is especially important in bespoke machinery, automation and capital equipment environments where customer requirements can change during the project lifecycle.<h3>Mentoring and Design Review Capability</h3>A strong Design Manager improves the performance of the wider engineering team. This includes mentoring less experienced engineers, reviewing technical work and creating a consistent approach to design quality.Key mentoring and review responsibilities can include:<ul><li>Supporting junior and mid-level Design Engineers</li><li>Reviewing CAD models and manufacturing drawings</li><li>Improving drawing standards and design documentation</li><li>Challenging designs before they reach manufacture</li><li>Sharing practical machinery and manufacturing knowledge</li><li>Developing design engineers into senior or lead roles</li><li>Supporting interview processes and team development</li><li>Creating a more structured design review process&nbsp;</li></ul>For employers, this capability can reduce errors, improve project consistency and strengthen long-term engineering capability across the business.<h3>Salary Expectations</h3>Design Manager salaries vary depending on sector, team size, technical responsibility, project complexity, customer involvement and wider leadership expectations. The SimWest 2026 <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/blog/2026-design-engineering-salary-survey-177">Design Engineering Salary Survey</a> showed the median salary for Design Managers was &pound;64,604.In OEM machinery, automation and manufacturing environments, salary expectations are commonly influenced by:<ul><li>Size of the design team</li><li>Mechanical, electrical or multi-discipline responsibility</li><li>Project ownership level</li><li>Customer-facing involvement</li><li>Machinery or automation sector experience</li><li>CAD and technical review capability</li><li>Responsibility for engineering processes and standards</li><li>Involvement in recruitment, mentoring and team development</li><li>Location within the UK</li></ul>Across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK, experienced Design Managers with strong technical leadership, machinery design experience and project delivery capability remain in demand.SimWest Engineering Recruitment can provide salary benchmarking and hiring insight based on live recruitment activity across OEM machinery, automation and manufacturing sectors.<h3>Hiring Risks</h3>Hiring the wrong Design Manager can have a direct impact on project delivery, engineering quality, team morale and customer confidence. Common hiring risks include:<ul><li>Appointing a people manager with limited technical machinery knowledge</li><li>Hiring a strong engineer who has not developed leadership capability</li><li>Overlooking customer-facing communication skills</li><li>Underestimating the importance of design review experience</li><li>Failing to assess practical manufacturing knowledge</li><li>Hiring someone without experience of project pressure or design change</li><li>Misjudging whether the role needs a hands-on or strategic manager</li><li>Offering a package that does not match market expectations&nbsp;</li></ul>A poor fit at Design Manager level can increase design errors, delay projects, weaken team confidence and create pressure across production, controls, projects and senior management.<h3>Search Approach</h3>Design Manager recruitment often requires a targeted search approach. The strongest candidates are not always actively applying for new roles, particularly if they are already valued by their current employer.A focused search should assess:<ul><li>Sector background</li><li>Technical design capability</li><li>Leadership and mentoring experience</li><li>Project ownership</li><li>Customer interaction</li><li>Practical machinery and manufacturing knowledge</li><li>Cultural fit with the engineering team</li><li>Motivation for moving</li><li>Salary expectations and availability&nbsp;</li></ul>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports employers by identifying Design Managers with the right blend of technical credibility, leadership capability and sector relevance.We recruit Design Managers across:<ul><li>OEM machinery</li><li><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/recruitment-sectors/special-purpose-machinery-recruitment-agency-uk-machinery-engineers">Special purpose machinery </a></li><li>Industrial automation</li><li>Robotics and automated equipment</li><li>Packaging machinery</li><li>Food and FMCG manufacturing equipment</li><li>Process machinery</li><li>Conveyor and materials handling systems</li><li>Capital equipment manufacturing</li><li>Wider manufacturing and engineering environments&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Hiring a Design Manager for your OEM machinery, automation or manufacturing business?</h3><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Submit a Design Manager Vacancy</a>SimWest Engineering Recruitment supports employers across Manchester, the North West and the wider UK with specialist recruitment for senior design, engineering leadership and machinery project delivery roles.Speak to SimWest about:<ul><li>Permanent Design Manager recruitment</li><li>Confidential Design Manager search</li><li>Senior design engineering recruitment</li><li>Salary benchmarking</li><li>Market insight and candidate availability</li><li>Engineering team growth</li><li>OEM machinery and automation recruitment&nbsp;</li></ul><a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/employers/upload_vacancy">Submit your vacancy toda</a>y or <a href="https://www.simwestengineeringrecruitment.co.uk/cm/contact-us">contact us</a> to discuss your Design Manager hiring requirements.

Design Manager Recruitment in OEM Machinery & Automation

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Maintenance Engineer Recruitment North West | SimWest Engineering Recruitment

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