Contract Mechanical Systems Engineer

Fortress Recruit is supporting a leading specialist engineering organisation in identifying an experienced Contract Mechanical Systems Engineer to undertake a range of plant refurbishment, machinery upgrade and mechanical systems improvement projects at their facility in Bedford. This engagement offers an opportunity to apply specialist engineering expertise to complex technical challenges, taking ownership of engineering deliverables from initial assessment and solution development through to implementation, commissioning and technical acceptance. Key responsibilities will include: * Assessing existing plant and machinery to identify refurbishment, replacement and improvement requirements. * Developing and documenting engineering solutions to address complex technical and operational challenges. * Delivering mechanical engineering modifications and equipment upgrade projects from initial assessment through to implementation. * Evaluating existing equipment and defining the technical requirements for replacement machinery and new system integration. * Producing engineering specifications, design justifications, technical documentation and controlled design change records. * Evaluating equipment options and providing technical recommendations to inform procurement and installation decisions. * Liaising with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to identify suitable replacement components and engineering solutions. * Providing technical oversight during equipment installation and implementation activities. * Verifying completed engineering solutions through testing, commissioning and technical acceptance. * Analysing equipment performance data to identify faults, assess operational performance and recommend improvements. * Developing practical solutions to legacy equipment challenges, improving reliability, maintainability and operational safety. * Ensuring engineering deliverables comply with relevant technical standards, safety requirements and applicable design control processes. To be successful in this role, you will have: * A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. * Significant experience delivering mechanical engineering projects within an industrial, manufacturing, aerospace, defence or similar engineering environment. * A strong understanding of industrial plant, machinery and mechanical systems. * Demonstrable experience investigating technical problems and developing effective engineering solutions. * Experience delivering machinery refurbishment, equipment replacement, plant upgrades or similar engineering improvement projects. * The ability to assess technical requirements, evaluate alternative solutions and justify engineering decisions. * Experience producing engineering specifications, technical documentation and controlled design changes. * Knowledge of equipment installation, commissioning and technical acceptance processes. * Experience with mechanical design or modelling software such as CATIA or MATLAB would be advantageous. * Knowledge of associated electrical systems, controls or electronics would also be beneficial. This is a 6-month contract opportunity offered Outside IR35, based five days per week on site in Bedford. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be British born and eligible to meet UK Eyes Only security requirements. Applicants must also satisfy the relevant security clearance requirements, including a minimum of five years' continuous UK residency. For more details or a confidential discussion, please submit your updated CV or contact Becki or Devon at Fortress Recruit. JBRP1_UKTJ