Jobs in Stoak

Mechanical Process Design Engineer
📍 Widnes, Cheshire | Permanent | Full Time
Are you looking to work for an employer who values you, supports you, and celebrates your input - whilst also giving sufficient autonomy to work off your own initiative? We're currently looking for an experienced Mechanical Process Design Engineer to join a well-established engineering business delivering turnkey solutions across the food, beverage, FMCG and process industries.
Working within a multi-disciplinary Technical & Design team, you will be responsible for the design, development and delivery of mechanical process systems from initial concept through to commissioning and project completion. This role offers the opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging projects for major UK and international clients.
You'll be joining an employer that provides an excellent, team focussed environment that supports your route to success whilst also giving workers sufficient autonomy to work off their own initiative, without intrusive micro-management
The Role
As a Mechanical Process Design Engineer, you will play a key role in developing innovative process solutions, preparing detailed engineering designs and supporting project delivery across multiple sectors.
You will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, automation and project engineering teams to deliver high-quality process installations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and customer service. Occasional UK and overseas travel will be required including client visits, presentations, and FATs. This is a full time permanent staff role only - office based - in a sought after, friendly, team environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure that all design work is completed in compliance with all QA Policies, Procedures and Specifications as necessary.
* Undertake site visits and surveys to gather process data, verify existing installations, and support project development.
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, clients, suppliers, and contractors to support project delivery and identify new opportunities.
* Act as a key contributor within a multi-disciplinary engineering team, supporting collaborative and efficient project execution.
* Process Design: Develop and interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs) and produce detailed piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) in line with project requirements.
* Engineering Calculations: Perform detailed calculations including pipe sizing, pump duty and head requirements, pressure loss, flow rates, vessel sizing, and heat transfer duties.
* Equipment Specification: Specify and select mechanical process equipment including pumps, valves, vessels, heat exchangers, and instrumentation; liaise with suppliers to ensure technical compliance and cost-effectiveness.
* 3D Design Coordination: Work closely with in-house and external CAD teams to develop and review 3D models (e.g., Navisworks, AutoCAD), ensuring constructability, maintainability, operability, and spatial coordination.
* Technical Documentation: Produce and review design documentation including, FDS, specifications, datasheets, design calculations, and equipment schedules.
* Cost Estimation Support: Collaborate with suppliers and contractors to obtain accurate cost estimates and support tendering and project budgeting activities.
* Compliance and Safety: Carry out risk assessments (e.g., HAZOP, design risk reviews) and ensure designs comply with relevant standards, regulations, and best practices (e.g., PED, ATEX where applicable).
* Project Support: Provide technical support during procurement, installation, commissioning, and handover phases, including responding to site queries and resolving design issues.
* Change Management: Manage design changes through controlled processes, ensuring documentation is updated and impacts are assessed.
Person Specification
* Strong technical knowledge in mechanical and process engineering design, ideally within food, beverage, or hygienic process environments. Liquid processing environment experience is essential. Commercial awareness of your discipline.
* Demonstrable understanding of process systems including piping, pumping, heat transfer, and fluid handling. Competent IT and CAD knowledge.
* Commercial awareness with the ability to balance technical solutions against cost, programme, and project constraints.
* Excellent analytical and numeracy skills.
* High level of attention to detail with a structured, methodical approach to engineering and documentation. Effective communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with colleagues, clients, contractors, and other project partners.
* Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to perform and check engineering calculations accurately.
* Proactive problem-solving mindset, with the ability to identify practical and efficient engineering solutions.
* Competent in the use of engineering software and IT systems, including 2D/3D CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD, Navisworks) and Microsoft Office tools.
* Experience in interpreting and producing technical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
* Good understanding of relevant industry standards and regulations, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001; knowledge of hygienic design standards would be advantageous.
* Awareness of health and safety requirements in design, including risk assessments and safe design principles.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams, clients, suppliers, and contractors.
* Ability to manage workload across multiple projects, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Willingness to attend site visits and engage with installation and commissioning activities where required.
What's on Offer?
Competitive salary
28 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
Company pension scheme
Health cash plan with discounted gym membership
Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
Company sick pay (following qualifying period)
Option to purchase additional annual leave
Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business
Exposure to high-profile UK and international projects
Support towards Chartership
Uplift for trips / travel (£40 per night UK, £150 overseas)
This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Process Design Engineer seeking a varied role with genuine career progression and involvement in complex, high-value engineering projects from concept through to completion