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OAL is looking for an experienced Project Engineer to lead the delivery of automation and robotics projects for food manufacturing customers across the UK.
Travel and overnight stays are a regular part of the role and flexibility is important, particularly during deployment and go-live phases.
This is a senior engineering role with full responsibility for the technical delivery of projects from initial design and pre-build through to installation, commissioning, customer handover, and ongoing operational success.
You will be the lead engineer on your projects, coordinating technical resources, managing customer relationships, overseeing budgets and timelines, and ensuring systems perform reliably in live production environments.
If you enjoy taking ownership, solving complex engineering challenges, and seeing systems you have delivered running successfully on customer sites, this role offers the opportunity to manage the complete project lifecycle rather than just one part of it.
What you will be doing
Project ownership and delivery
Lead the technical delivery of automation and robotics projects from pre-build through to customer handover and operational acceptance.
Pre-build and factory testing
Oversee system assembly, integration, testing, and validation activities at OAL's Peterborough facility to ensure systems are fully prepared before deployment.
Installation and commissioning
Lead on-site installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and go-live activities at customer sites across the UK.
Customer relationship management
Act as the primary engineering contact throughout project delivery, building trusted relationships with technical teams, operations teams, and key stakeholders.
Team coordination
Coordinate the activities of commissioning engineers, installation engineers, software engineers, and other project resources to ensure successful delivery.
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Budget and programme management
Manage project timelines, budgets, and delivery milestones while maintaining clear communication with customers and internal teams.
Technical problem solving
Diagnose and resolve complex engineering issues across automation systems, controls, robotics, software, and integrated technologies.
Documentation and handover
Maintain project documentation and ensure customers receive complete training, technical information, and support during handover.
Continuous improvement
Identify lessons learned and improvement opportunities to support future project delivery and product development.
What we are looking for
At least five years' experience delivering automation, controls, robotics, or systems integration projects within industrial environments. Strong technical understanding across automation technologies, controls systems, industrial networking, and systems integration. Experience managing customer relationships, leading installations, and acting as the primary technical contact during project delivery. Ability to troubleshoot complex issues across multiple technologies and make sound engineering decisions under pressure. Experience managing project budgets, delivery schedules, resources, and competing priorities. Able to communicate effectively with engineers, operators, managers, and senior customer stakeholders.
Relevant technical experience may include:
Machine vision, inspection, and verification systems PLC programming, commissioning, and fault finding Industrial robotics and robotic cell integration SCADA and HMI platforms including Ignition or similar technologies Systems integration and automation project delivery Industrial networking including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and fieldbus technologies
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Full UK driving licence: required due to regular travel to customer sites.
What you should expect from us – and what we expect from you
This is a role with genuine ownership and accountability.
You will be responsible for delivering projects from workshop build through to live production. Some weeks will be spent at OAL's Peterborough facility overseeing pre-builds and testing. Other weeks will involve travel to customer sites leading installations and commissioning activities.
Travel and overnight stays are a regular part of the role and flexibility is important, particularly during deployment and go-live phases.
You will be trusted to make decisions, coordinate resources, manage customer expectations, and lead projects through challenges when plans change.
In return, you will have the opportunity to deliver innovative automation solutions that make a real impact within customer operations.
Salary and benefits
Competitive salary + company vehicle Pension scheme 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Ongoing training and professional development Career progression opportunities within a growing business
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. Based in Peterborough, we are an innovative family business providing automation and system integration services to the food industry.
We are recognised as a market leader in digital transformation, label and date code verification, and robotic powder weighing solutions.
As a growing SME, we offer genuine opportunities within a fast-paced and supportive environment. If you are an experienced engineer looking to take ownership of complex automation projects and see the direct impact of your work, we would love to hear from you.
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