Project Engineer – NPI, Tooling & Automotive

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead simultaneous New Product Introduction (NPI) projects at our West Midlands manufacturing facility and support our Eastern European site. You will work on precision components for automotive, medical and industrial markets, helping to establish robust project processes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead NPI projects from concept through competition, creating project plans, gateways and APQP deliverables.
• Manage tooling projects, both new and customer‑owned, handling 4‑5 projects concurrently (6‑24 months, £200k‑£2m each).
• Drive PPAP and ISIR submissions with the engineering team.
• Communicate project expectations to customers throughout the product lifecycle.
• Oversee suppliers, toolmakers and subcontractors in the UK and EMEA.
• Support in‑house manufacturing operations and ensure projects meet budget, OTIF and Right‑First‑Time targets.

Required profile

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience managing NPI and tooling projects in automotive, medical or industrial sectors.
• Strong commercial awareness and resilience in a fast‑changing manufacturing environment.
• Ability to develop and implement project KPIs and improve existing processes.

Required skills

• Mechanical engineering principles.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) methodology.
• Tooling design and development.
• PPAP and ISIR submission processes.
• APQP framework.
• Project planning and budgeting.
• Supplier and subcontractor management across UK and EMEA.

What we offer

• Salary up to £55,000 per year, dependent on experience.
• 33 days holiday including Bank Holidays.
• 5% pension contribution.
• Opportunity to shape a brand‑new role and drive positive change within the projects team.