Mechanical Project Engineer

Project Engineer - Mechanical Bias (EA Project)

Location: Kent 
Rate: £400-£450 per day (CIS/Self-Employed)
Duration: 6-9 months, with potential extension
Start: ASAP

We are recruiting for an experienced mechanically biased Project Engineer to support the delivery of three Environment Agency projects along the River Medway in Kent.

The programme primarily involves the refurbishment of heritage lock and sluice gates, alongside upgrades to associated water-control systems. The successful candidate will initially support the design and pre-construction stages before overseeing the specialist mechanical subcontractor during site delivery.

About the Projects

The works will involve the refurbishment and upgrade of Environment Agency water-control assets, including:

• Heritage lock and sluice gate refurbishment
• Mechanical gate-operating equipment
• Actuators, gearboxes, drive systems and associated components
• Hydraulic equipment and water-control systems
• Mechanical steelwork and supporting structures

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate mechanical engineering activities throughout design, pre-construction and delivery
• Review mechanical designs, drawings and subcontractor proposals
• Support design development, buildability reviews and installation planning
• Develop and review scopes of work, programmes, RAMS, ITPs and technical documentation
• Manage the specialist mechanical subcontractor during site delivery
• Ensure mechanical works are delivered safely and in accordance with the approved design
• Monitor subcontractor progress, quality and programme performance
• Coordinate mechanical works with civil, structural, electrical and control-system packages
• Resolve technical and site-based engineering issues
• Liaise with the Environment Agency, designers, subcontractors and internal project teams

The ideal candidate will have:

• A recognised mechanical engineering or mechanical trade qualification
• Experience delivering mechanical installation or refurbishment projects
• Experience managing specialist mechanical subcontractors
• Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment, installation methods and commissioning
• Experience reviewing drawings, RAMS, ITPs and technical documentation
• The ability to contribute during design and pre-construction
• Strong communication, coordination and problem-solving skills

Desirable Experience

• Previous Environment Agency project experience
• Experience working on locks, sluices, weirs or flood-defence assets
• Knowledge of penstocks, gates, actuators, hydraulics, hoists or gearboxes
• Experience working on pumping stations or heavy water infrastructure
• Experience delivering refurbishment works on operational or heritage assets
• SMSTS, CSCS and relevant lifting or temporary works training