Principal Project Engineer

Cathay Investments Limited; Croydon, Swansea; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the United Kingdom seeks a Principal Project Engineer to lead a critical international commissioning project. The role entails managing the relocation of specialized machinery across multiple countries and coordinating complex logistics. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and a proven track record in overseeing intricate engineering projects. This full-time position requires a strong commitment to travel between the UK and the Netherlands, with a competitive salary and performance bonuses offered.

Benefits

Performance bonus up to £30,000

Life insurance (£10k)

Pension

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Verifiable track record of leading complex engineering projects.
• Experience with international machinery relocation and facility setup.
• Willingness to commit to extensive travel across multiple countries.

Responsibilities

• Lead the relocation and commissioning of specialized machinery.
• Manage project budget and coordinate international logistics.
• Recruit and train production teams for successful handover.

Skills

Technical leadership

Cross-cultural competence

Complex project management

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline

Job description

Principal Project Engineer

Company: Cathay Investments Limited

Location: Croydon (CR0 2ZD) – extensive international travel required.

Contract: Fixed-Term (12‑18 Months)

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum

Performance Bonus: Up to £30,000 Completion Bonus (total potential package up to £100,000)

The Role

A High-Impact Engineering Mission: Lead Our Multi-Site Commissioning Project. Cathay Group is launching a critical, high-value strategic expansion and seeks a top‑tier Principal Project Engineer to deliver it. This pivotal role reports directly to the Group Managing Director.

As our Principal Project Engineer, you will be the definitive technical authority and project lead for the entire relocation and commissioning of specialised slitting machinery from our current Dutch facility.

• Technical Immersion (Netherlands, 3 months): Spend an initial period working closely with the team in the Netherlands to become the expert on the machinery, technical documentation, and production processes.
• Central Coordination (Croydon, Head Office): Manage the project budget, coordinate complex international logistics, track technical timelines, and provide direct status reports to the Group MD.
• Commissioning & Operations (UK/Germany): Personally lead the physical installation, technical commissioning, and validation of the new production line(s) in the assigned location(s). Responsible for recruiting and training the initial production team(s) and ensuring 24/7 operation before successful handover.

The role is full time on site in Croydon / Netherlands / Germany (37.5 hours per week).

Candidate Profile

• Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering).
• Verifiable track record of leading complex engineering projects, specifically involving international machinery relocation, facility setup, or new line commissioning.
• Strong technical leadership skills, cross-cultural competence, and determination to overcome engineering and logistical challenges in multiple jurisdictions.
• Willingness to commit to extensive travel between Croydon, the Netherlands, Swansea, and Goch, Germany.

The Compensation

• Base salary of £60,000 to £70,000 per annum.
• Up to £30,000 Completion Bonus (paid upon successful commissioning and operational handover).
• Additional benefits including life insurance (£10k), pension, and wellbeing support.

If you are the experienced Principal Project Engineer ready to take full technical and project ownership of this international launch, we want to hear from you.