We make our process as bespoke as your machinery
The Special Purpose Machinery sector sees companies manufacturing bespoke and custom made machines which are used across the FMCG, Automotive, Aerospace, Construction Materials Manufacturing, Logistics and numerous other sectors. ATA Recruitment has vast experience working with these companies, creating a tailored and specific approach to understand their business and it's needs. We appreciate that many of our customers need a blend of permanent and contract employees to maintain a flexible and agile workforce for when projects land, so if your machinery is bespoke, then our approach needs to be too!
OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
-
Permanent Recruitment
Mechanical Design Engineer
Technical Author
CAD Draughtsman
Applications Engineer
Sales Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Controls Engineers
Project Engineer
Project Manager
Service Engineer
-
Contract Recruitment
Mechanical Design Engineer
Technical Author
CAD Draughtsman
Applications Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Production Engineer
Design Manager
Controls Engineers
Project Engineer
Service Engineer
-
Interim Recruitment
Project Manager
Maintenance Manager
Engineering Manager
Operations Manager
Design Manager
Operations Director
Engineering Director
Technical Director
Projects Director
-
ATA Search
Engineering Manager
Operations Manager
Design Manager
Operations Director
Engineering Director
Technical Director
Projects Director
Sales Director
Managing Director
Latest Jobs In Special Purpose Machinery
Mechanical Design Engineer
£32 - 38 per hour
West Yorkshire
Mechanical Design Engineer West Yorkshire Initial 3-month contract / Outside IR35 Rate £32.00-£38.00p/h DOE Autodesk Inventor Special Purpose Machinery / Automation I am currently on the lookout for a Mechanical Design engineer on a 3-month contract for a key client based in West Yorkshire. My client are leaders in the design, manufacture automated machinery & robotics for the food industry. They are actively seeking the following: The successful Mechanical Design Engineers duties: All aspects of design on Autodesk Inventor 3D Detail design of automated machinery Assisting design reviews and making necessary adjustments Ensuring design project specifications are met Liaising with customers & working collaboratively in a team The successful Mechanical Design Engineer will need to have the following attributes: Knowledge special purpose machinery & automation within food Experience of full project lifecycle design Strong mechanical engineering background Competent Autodesk Inventor user Motivated with a keen eye for detail The benefits of the positions: Highly project based engineering environment Highly reputable engineering organisation Inside or Outside IR35 contract I am looking to speak to talented Mechanical Design Engineers who are looking for a rewarding and highly challenging position. For more information, please contact Dom Firth 07892789342, Recruitment Consultant at ATA Recruitment. ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and General Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website - By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Mechanical Design Engineer
£40 - 45 per hour Overtime + Contract Extensions
Burton upon Trent
Mechanical Design Engineer - Autodesk Inventor Burton on Trent Monday to Thursday 8:00 – 16.30 & Friday 08:00 – 13:00 Onsite Initial 3 Months with opportunity to extend £40 - £45 per hour / Ltd Company Contract / Outside IR35 Our client specialises in the design and manufacture of large special purpose equipment globally. With over 90 years of experience, the company has developed an exceptional understanding of the challenging conditions involved in this sector. As a privately owned business, it is the leading supplier in the UK and has ambitious growth plans. If you believe you are suitable for this role, then please contact Steve Harrhy or email your CV to steve.harrhy@ata-recruitment.co.uk The role of a Mechanical Design Engineer will involve the following: Work on two key projects utilising Autodesk Inventor for designing mechanical components. Focus on large steel frame and steel plate fabrication for Large special purpose equipment. Design covers, handrails, and other mechanical elements critical to these structures. Involvement in the fabrication of various components for projects. Design and integrate pneumatic systems into large equipment. Perform stress analysis calculations using relevant FE (Finite Element) packages to ensure the integrity and safety of components. Provide regular updates and reports on progress, challenges, and solutions to senior engineers. The Mechanical Design Engineer will need to have the following experience: Work independently, managing your tasks and deliverables without the need for constant supervision. Bring your expertise in mechanical engineering to tackle complex challenges and contribute to the successful delivery of both projects. Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification (alternative experience considered). Proven experience working with steel frame and plate fabrication, pneumatics, and large equipment related designs. Strong experience with Autodesk Inventor for 3D design and drafting. Ability to perform stress and structural analysis using FE packages. Previous experience in design of heavy industrial machinery. Essential Degree in a related subject (BEng, BSc) Ability to liaise with the electrical engineers and other departments Commutable to Burton upon Trent To mechanically design products in 3D, including 2D detail production drawings, and update existing designs, in conjunction with the electrical design engineers and supporting the technical author 3D CAD – Autodesk Inventor, hand calculations and FEA Design experience in pneumatic systems and large fabrication, low volume product experience ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website - By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website To be considered for this role please either hit the 'Apply' button on this site or email your CV directly steve.harrhy@ata-recruitment.co.uk You must be eligible to live and work within the UK. Sponsorship is not provided. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Site Electrical Lead Engineer
£60000 - 60000 per year Company bonus up to 10%, Pension 9%, 25 days + 8 bank holidays.
Leicester
Site Electrical Lead Engineer, £60,000, Leicester Package includes: Company bonus up to 10%, Pension 9%, 25 days + 8 bank holidays. About the company ATA is supporting a large manufacturing group who are looking to add an experienced site electrical lead engineer to their team. With over 200 years of experience, this group has a well-established history of delivering sustainable packaging products to various industries, including Food, Beverage, Retail and E-commerce. The group are a true global leader within their field, operating across 40 plants in 17 countries, employ over 6,000 staff and turnover an impressive £2billion. This site in Leicestershire has been at the heart of the community for over 40 years with a lot of their employees being at the site for near its full tenure including the plant manager who started on the shop floor. The site has always offered a great place to work and with investment plans on the horizon, it will soon become the groups UKs flagship site. About the role As an Electrical Lead Engineer, you lead and develop the site electrical team. Responsible for anything electrical, from the production machinery right through to the on-site facilities. You will be responsible for the following: Planning in and managing all electrical work using the onsite CMMS. Lead on complex electrical faults and priority breakdowns. Maintain adherence to health and safety legislation through risk assessments and the creation of Safe Systems of Work. Oversee and track corrective actions for fixed wiring testing performed by contractors. Ensure full compliance with regulations for Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) systems Monitor faults and breakdowns & implement reliability improvements. Improving projects, new machine installation and upgrade work. Supporting the wider group to achieve their sustainability plans by leading energy reduction projects. Complete root cause analysis projects to drive site improvement. Contractor management/correct work permits. Training and development of electrical department About you To be considered for the role as site electrical lead engineer, you should be/have the following: Completed a time served electrical engineering apprenticeship. Strong working knowledge and practical experience with electrical maintenance. Knowledge of electricity at work regulations (British Standards). Leadership experience is preferential; however, our client will consider engineers who want to take the next step. Hands on experience managing installation projects. Due to the nature of the site, experience working within a high-speed manufacturing environment is essential. Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell PLC (Desirable) Benefits Joining our client as a site electrical lead, you will receive a host of benefits. You will be joining a company who put personal development and growth at the forefront of everything they do. Personal development can take many forms, but here, it could include technical growth and progression into senior positions. The group prefer to promote from within, this has been demonstrated many times across the business. The current plant manager started on site as an apprentice. You will be joining a company that have impressive plans for the future with over £5m of Capex already lined up for 2025. If you feel like you are the right site electrical lead engineer for this role and would like to hear more about, please press apply, call Ashton on 07814905283 or email your CV too ashton.kenney@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer
£46000 - 46000 per year 23 Days Hol + Bank Holidays, Pension, Flexibility
Hinckley
Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer Location: Hinckley (LE10) Salary: £46,000 Overtime: Lots of Overtime Available (1.3x Mon-Fri, 1.5x Sat, 2x Sun) Schedule: Double Days (6-2 / 2-10) Benefits: 23 Days Hol + Bank Holidays, Pension, Flexibility Are you a multiskilled maintenance engineer who is looking to work in a consistently growing business with a long history, where you are not just a number but instead part of a team of experienced and eager engineers who are always finding something hands-on to do? This £100 million turnover family business has been open for nearly 100 years and are still growing but have managed to keep the family feel on-site just as it was when it first opened. This site has seen large investment over the last year within the maintenance department, facilities, and shop floor. The passion for engineering within this loyal maintenance team is strong, where working on the specialist machinery is a fun challenge and the team will carry out a huge variety of projects all whilst going above and beyond for each other. Role Overview As a multiskilled maintenance engineer in this company, your responsibilities will include working on a variety of electrical components—such as sensors, 3-phase motors, relays, and safety circuits —as well as mechanical parts like belts, bearings, rollers, spindles, drives, and much more. You will: Attend breakdowns. Perform planned preventative maintenance. Conduct electrical and mechanical fault-finding. Carry out basic PLC fault diagnostics. Repair and replace electrical and mechanical components. Candidate Profile The ideal multiskilled maintenance engineer will: Enjoy working in a team, being ready to help others out when needed and get stuck into team project work. Can troubleshoot both electrical and mechanical issues. Be looking for a long-term role within a company, where they hope to develop as an engineer. Be happy to work double days. Hold a recognized Level 3 or higher engineering qualification (City & Guilds, NVQ, BTEC, HND, HNC) or have proven experience as a maintenance engineer in a manufacturing environment. The Benefits Having met the Maintenance Manager of 7 years, hearing his explanation of the role, and after being given a fantastic tour of the site, I feel confident that chosen multiskilled maintenance engineer for this position will feel greatly rewarded as they advance their career within this company. They will introduce the successful engineer to the site properly, with a 4-week induction process followed by lots of in-house training. This company will also bring in experienced trainers from the company who provide the majority of their specialist machinery, where the engineers become certified. This company provides a flexible working structure which offers large quantities of overtime alongside the ability to take time off in Lieu. The chosen multiskilled maintenance engineer for this opportunity will see real improvements in their abilities, enjoy their time at work, and have their passion for proper engineering reignited by a hands-on and team-oriented role. If you believe you are the right multiskilled maintenance engineer for this role, or you want to explore other available roles, please reach out at zac.polnyj@ata-recruitment.co.uk to schedule an initial conversation. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager
£50000 - 60000 per year Hyrbid Working, 25 Days Annual Leave
Northamptonshire
Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager Northamptonshire Salary: £50,000 – 60,000 Hybrid working options The Company: Our client is a specialist in designs and manufactures bespoke materials handling systems for the logistics, food and pharmaceutical sectors. The business has a rich history dating back nearly 50 years and a renowned for the outstanding quality of their product and service they provide to their customers. The business has a very tight neat team employing around 30 members of staff and generating a combined turnover of £4 million. The company have a fantastic opportunity for a Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager to join their business with immediate effect. The role would suit someone who wants to take on the responsibility of managing and directing others whilst still enjoying taking the lead on design projects. Please apply asap for consideration as the client will be interviewing before Christmas. The Role: As a Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager you will be responsible for the leadership and management of two other mechanical design engineers in the team whilst taking the lead for the design projects the business is delivering on. The role will see you still circa 40% hands on with design and project work. Your key responsibilities for this Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager role will include: Managing the mechanical design engineers in the team organising their workload and activities on a day to day basis against business projects. Producing 3D designs and 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM. Conducting site surveys to gather measurements and client requirements. Preparing your own Bill of Materials (BOMs), user manuals, and risk assessments. Performing engineering calculations, including motor speeds, stress, and force analysis. Managing projects from proposal to final check-in after installation. Traveling to UK client sites, with occasional overnight stays. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on combining technical expertise with client-facing project management. The Candidate To be successful in your application for this Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager role you will need: Experience in design of either bespoke equipment, machinery or conveyors. To enjoy taking responsibility for the management and direction of others. To be someone who enjoys taking accountability and ownership for delivering results. Proficiency with CAD software—SolidWorks is preferred, but Inventor experience will be considered. A solid understanding of manufacturing processes and cost-effective design. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach. Experience with SolidWorks PDM is highly desirable but not essential. The Benefits: For this Lead Design Engineer/Design Manager role you will receive: Basic Salary £50,000 – 60,000 Hybrid working options (2–3 days remote per week). 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. Death in service benefit (4x salary). Standard working hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with early finishes on Fridays. How to Apply: Please send your CV to Bhavesh.patel@ata-recruitment.co.uk or give me a call on 0116 218 4743 to discuss asap ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Tendering Engineer (PLC - Programmable Logic Controllers)
£40000 - 55000 per year Remote working
Leicester
Tendering Engineer / Technical Sales Engineer Location: Leicester Salary: Up to £55,000 (DOE) + Private Healthcare + Flexible Working The Company: Our client is a systems integrator specializing in control systems for rotating plant equipment. They design and assemble tailored solutions that integrate hardware PLCs with electrical panels, providing end-users with modern, effective systems as older software becomes obsolete. The business serves markets including power generation, oil and gas, and waste incineration. Employing around 30 members of staff, the company achieves an annual turnover of £3.2 million, and are seeing growth on this This is a fantastic opportunity to join a stable, collaborative company with a strong industry reputation. The Role: As a Tendering Engineer / Technical Sales Engineer, you will focus on creating technical proposals and costings for bespoke projects, ranging from £250,000 to £1 million. This role blends technical engineering expertise with client interaction to deliver tailored solutions. Your key responsibilities will include: Preparing technical proposals, including hardware descriptions, process descriptions, and cost breakdowns. Pricing equipment, labour, and additional components. Reading technical drawings and reviewing existing configurations. Upselling improvements and additions to client packages during the proposal process. Presenting PowerPoint summaries to clients and attending occasional exhibitions or networking events. The role is primarily office-based, with most client communication handled via email and Teams meetings. This is not a proactive sales role, involving cold calls or business development What We’re Looking For: To excel as a Tendering Engineer / Technical Sales Engineer, you’ll need: A solid understanding of PLC systems, including basic building blocks, irrespective of brand. Previous experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A background in electrical engineering or a related field, ideally with an HND or university qualification. Strong attention to detail, ensuring proposals meet client specifications and deadlines. The ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and adaptability. Experience with turbines is beneficial, but knowledge of PLC systems is the priority. The Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 depending on experience. Flexible working hours (9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday, 1:00 pm finish on Fridays). Hybrid work model – with one office day per week. Private healthcare Company pension plan. 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. This role offers excellent autonomy, with the potential to take full ownership of your work while contributing to the company’s success. How to apply: If you’re a skilful Tendering Engineer or Technical Sales Engineer, send your CV to Matt Taylor at matt.taylor@ata-recruitment.co.uk or call 0116 218 1644 for more information. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Press Tool Design Engineer
£40000 - 45000 per year - 5% Matched Pension - Private Health Insurance - Life Assurance - Flexible start times - 25 Days Ho
Birmingham
Press Tool Design Engineer £40,000 - £45,000 5% Matched Pension Private Health Insurance Life Assurance Flexible start times 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays Location: Birmingham Reference: BP 157 ATA Recruitment are supporting a Global leader in manufacturing state of the art tools and components for a range of industries including Rail and Utilities. This European owned business is currently turning over excess of 200 million euros per year, with huge investment made for their UK subsidiary based in Birmingham, they have spent millions on new machinery which includes a brand-new automation line. Due to this expansion and growth, their client demand has now stretched into various sectors meaning the requirement for new press tooling designs, they are therefore looking to add a Press Tool Design Engineer to their dynamic engineering and design function. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of high-quality products in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. Job Description: As a Press Tool Design Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing press tools for the manufacturing of electrical connectors and related products. You will work closely with our engineering and production teams to ensure that all tooling meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Key responsibilities of a Press Tool Design Engineer are: Design and Development: Create detailed designs for press tools using CAD software, ensuring they meet all specifications and standards. Prototyping and Testing: Develop prototypes and conduct rigorous testing to validate tool designs, making necessary adjustments to optimize performance. Collaboration: Work closely with production and engineering teams to understand requirements and constraints, ensuring seamless integration of new tools into the manufacturing process. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for improving existing tooling designs and processes, implementing changes to enhance efficiency and product quality. Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of all designs, modifications, and testing results. Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards and regulations. The Candidate: The ideal Press Tool Design Engineer will have a passion for design and great attention to detail, the ability to work well in a team and as an individual. To be successful in your application for the Press Tool Design Engineer role you will need: Experience in Press Tooling Design. Experience in 2D & 3D CAD Design. A Mechanical Engineering Qualifications. High standards and Attention to Detail A team player mentality. The Benefits: For the Press Tool Design Engineer role, you will receive: £40,000 - £45,000 5% Matched Pension Private Health Insurance Life Assurance Flexible start times 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays ATA Recruitment are working exclusively with this client we will be conducting a short list starting today, we will conduct the 1st interview over the phone and the successful candidates will then be forwarded to our client with our recommendation. If you wish to be considered for this opportunity then please respond with your intention as we are looking to fill this role in the not-so-distant future, you will then be contacting by one of our Recruitment Consultant who will be able to provide more details. Contact: Bhav Patel Recruitment Consultant 07704543752 Bhavesh.patel@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website. By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Field Service Engineer
£40000 - 45000 per year Vehicle + Bonus + Pension
Manchester
Field Service Engineer £40K-£45K + Vehicle + 7.5% Bonus + Excellent pension Based anywhere in the North of England, ideally somewhere across the M62 Corridor The Company: This company is part of a global organisation which operates mainly within the chemical industry. The UK arm of this particular business design and manufacture bespoke machinery that gets supplied into manufacturing businesses across the UK and Europe. The service side of this business is growing fast and they need additional service support for their customer so are looking for a field service engineer to join their team. The Role: Based from your home but spending most of your time on customer sites across the UK, the field service engineer will: Planned and reactive maintenance of machinery and equipment Installation and commissioning of machinery Technical support over the phone to customers The role is mechanically biased – working on process equipment such as pumps, pipework, valves, tanks. Electrically you will be working on control panels, wiring, motors and PLC’s Required Experience: The field service engineer will be mechanically qualified to NVQ 3 as a minimum Some level of electrical experience is required but training on this side is also provided The flexibility to travel and work away from home extensively is really important - the travel is usually within the week so you still get most of your weekends off If you want to be back home every night or are only willing to work 1 or 2 days a week away from home this role isn’t for you Benefits: Excellent salary and benefits package includes 8% pension contribution from the company 7.5% Annual Bonus 33 days holiday Excellent training and technical development opportunities Work for a large, secure business that will look after you Interviews can be arranged immediately so apply by following the online instructions or send a CV to Andrew.bairstow@ata-recruitment.co.uk ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"ATA Recruitment exceeded our expectations in delivering exceptional service and swift results in finding the perfect candidates for SPIRAC Ltd. Their efficiency and commitment to understanding our requirements were impressive, ensuring a seamless and timely recruitment process. Their expertise and dedication are commendable, and we are grateful for their invaluable contributions to building our team."
General Manager, Spirac
"Gudel Lineartec UK Ltd have dealt with the team at ATA Recruitment for more than 5 years, and they have helped us fill numerous technical vacancies with high quality candidates. We find them both professional and attentive, with a good understanding of our business and personnel requirements."
Managing Director, Gudel Lineartec UK Ltd