Special Purpose Machinery Recruitment Experts
ATA Recruitment is a specialist in design and projects recruitment for the special purpose machinery sector. We understand the bespoke nature of this industry, where machines are often tailor-made for high-precision applications across FMCG, Automotive, Aerospace, Logistics, and Construction sectors.
Companies in this field require unique solutions - and the same goes for their hiring strategy. That's why our recruitment process is built to be as custom and adaptable as the machinery our clients produce. With more than 60 years of recruitment experience, our consultants tailor every step to ensure we meet your exact needs for permanent and contract talent.
Flexible Recruitment for Project-Driven Businesses
We know your hiring needs shift based on project wins. That’s why we offer both permanent recruitment for core team building, and contract staffing to boost capacity for specific workloads. This ensures agility without compromising quality or delivery timelines.
OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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Permanent Recruitment
Mechanical Design Engineer
Technical Author
CAD Draughtsman
Applications Engineer
Sales Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Controls Engineers
Project Engineer
Project Manager
Service Engineer
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Contract Recruitment
Mechanical Design Engineer
Technical Author
CAD Draughtsman
Applications Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Production Engineer
Design Manager
Controls Engineers
Project Engineer
Service Engineer
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Interim Recruitment
Project Manager
Maintenance Manager
Engineering Manager
Operations Manager
Design Manager
Operations Director
Engineering Director
Technical Director
Projects Director
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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 Engineer
£40000 - 50000 per year - 25 days holiday + bank holidays - 7% pension - Long term development within a highly specialised e
Coventry
Mechanical Engineer Coventry – Exclusive with ATA Recruitment £40,000 – £50,000 salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays 7% pension Long‑term development within a highly specialised engineering environment Ref: 243 Location: Coventry ATA are exclusively working with a leading engineering manufacturer specialist that supplies advanced processing equipment used across the minerals, chemicals, food, pharmaceutical, and waste‑recycling industries. This business is recognised for its expertise in high‑performance mechanical systems designed for drying, milling, classification, and particle‑processing applications. Their equipment is used globally, supporting customers who rely on precise material handling and robust industrial machinery. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will join a highly technical organisation known for delivering bespoke engineered solutions, complex mechanical systems, and full lifecycle support — from project planning through to installation, commissioning, and long‑term technical assistance. The company operates in a niche but rapidly evolving sector where efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of equipment are essential to customer production performance. The Role As a Mechanical Engineer, your responsibility will centre on technical support, client support, and project support, including: Providing daily technical assistance for machinery used in drying, milling, classification, and material‑processing applications. Supporting customers with troubleshooting, problem‑solving, performance optimisation, and technical guidance. Assisting the project team with documentation, equipment specifications, technical reports, and client‑facing updates. Using CAD software to review, interpret, and interrogate engineering drawings (no design work involved). Delivering on‑site commissioning support across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Supporting installation, system setup, testing, and ensuring machinery performs to required standards during customer acceptance. Building strong technical relationships with customers, installation teams, and internal engineers to ensure successful project delivery. About You To succeed as a Mechanical Engineer, you should bring: Mechanical engineering experience involving heavy machinery, rotating equipment, thermal systems, or industrial process equipment. Background in technical support, commissioning, maintenance engineering, field service, or project engineering. CAD exposure — confident in reviewing drawings, understanding assemblies, and interpreting mechanical layouts (no modelling required). Strong communication skills and the ability to support customers both remotely and face‑to‑face. Willingness to travel for commissioning, engineering support, and customer‑site activities. Package & Benefits £40,000 – £50,000 salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays 7% pension International travel and technical exposure Long‑term development within a highly specialised engineering environment 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: Bav 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
Mechanical Design Engineer
£45000 - 50000 per year Pension + 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Professional Development
Birmingham
Mechanical Design Engineer Birmingham £45,000 – £50,000 + Pension + 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Professional Development Ref: MDE 01 ATA Recruitment are representing an innovative and highly established engineering business that designs and manufactures special purpose machinery for global customers. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join a secure, reputable organisation offering long‑term career prospects, project variety and genuine technical challenge. The company continues to invest in engineering capability, R&D and people—making this an ideal environment for a Mechanical Design Engineer looking to grow, develop and make an impact. The Role – Mechanical Design Engineer As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be heavily involved in delivering full lifecycle mechanical design across bespoke machinery and automated equipment projects. Each machine is entirely custom‑built, giving you the chance to work on unique engineering challenges and take real ownership of your designs. Key responsibilities include: Producing 3D CAD models, assemblies and detailed manufacturing drawings Developing new concepts and engineering solutions for bespoke machinery Supporting engineering calculations and design validation activities Collaborating closely with manufacturing, projects, and controls teams Participating in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives Ensuring solutions are reliable, cost‑effective and fit for customer applications This position is ideal for a Mechanical Design Engineer who thrives in a technically varied role and enjoys seeing their work progress from concept to completion. The Person Experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with background in machinery, automation, equipment or engineered products Proficient in 3D CAD (any major package) Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and calculations Able to work on bespoke designs from concept through to manufacture Creative, analytical and motivated by technical challenge The Benefits £45,000 – £50,000 depending on experience Pension scheme 25 days holiday + bank holidays Clear professional development opportunities Join a secure, established engineering business with long-term prospects Work on complex, interesting machinery used worldwide 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: Bav 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
Maintenance Engineer
£50624 - 50624 per year 13% pension, training, Ex-Forces Encouraged to Apply!
Beeston
Maintenance Engineer, £50,624, bonus, 13% pension overall, holiday allowance, training + progression opportunities, Ex-Forces Encouraged to Apply! Shift – Panama Days and Nights About the company: We are partnering with one of the biggest retail brands in the UK, an established high street retailer who produce a turnover of over 7 billion. A company going through a period of investment with over 15 million being spent on the facilities and site machinery including adding new conveyor systems. They are looking to expand their current engineering squad who have a variety of engineering backgrounds, with tons of room for growth for the right person, opportunities to be a team leader or even manager in the future. A comprehensive training package which includes health and safety, external courses and fantastic on the job training impact it may have. About the role This is a fantastic opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer to join one of the largest as well as one of most stable companies in the FMCG sector. Due to growth and demand from the customers, the opportunity for a Maintenance Engineer has arisen. The successful Maintenance Engineer will have the opportunity to grow into leadership positions, as well as having real recognition for the effort they make in the workplace. Responsibilities will include: To tend to reactive and planned maintenance, ensuring the smooth running of the site. To fault-find electrically as well as mechanically, and the upkeep of the Maintenance workshop. Working on PLC systems – I/O’s. To work on a range of automated systems, in a fast paced environment. The ideal candidate will have an electrical bias. About you: To be considered for the Maintenance Engineer position, you should have the following: Ideally, have experience within a fast paced environment – not an essential. To be the subject matter expert on any Electrical issues on shift and to be comfortable getting hands on. Due to the nature of the work, you should be happy to work to food safety as well as health and safety requirements. Educated to a minimum of a Level 3 in an electrical field. To have initiative when solving problems. Why join our client? To progress through the ranks with tonnes of internal opportunities An employee-first approach with clear routes of progression. Regular salary reviews as well as unlimited overtime opportunities. If you want to hear more about becoming a Maintenance Engineer at this industry leading group, then please press apply or give Karolis a call on 07796 990 423, alternatively drop me an email on karolis.stenas@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
Mechanical Design Engineer
£35000 - 50000 per year Bonus
Derby
Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Derby Salary: £35,000 – £50,000 (DOE) Friday 1pm Finish | Bespoke Machinery | Full Project Ownership | 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays The Company Our client is a specialist manufacturer of bespoke packaging machinery across a variety of sectors. Still young in the market they turnover around £10 million and employ a team of more than 50 employees, they design and manufacture fully customised special purpose machines (SPM) in house at their Derby facility. Their machines are highly tailored to each customer’s requirements and include thermoforming and sealing equipment, conveyors, robotics integration, moulds and custom tooling. With a strong order book and continued growth, they are now looking to strengthen their engineering team with the addition of a new Mechanical Design Engineer. The Role This is a highly 3D CAD focused Mechanical Design Engineer role, working on bespoke packaging machinery from cradle to grave. Key responsibilities include: Designing bespoke SPM packaging machinery in SolidWorks Tooling and mould design. Designing assemblies including sheet metal panels, frames, guards, jigs and fixtures. Specifying motors, gearboxes, pneumatics, linear actuators, and sensors Designing small conveyors Liaising with the shopfloor to support manufacture The Candidate To be successful in your application for this Mechanical Design Engineer role, you will need: Proven experience using a 3D CAD package (SolidWorks, Solid Edge or Inventor considered) Background in bespoke machinery, SPM or automation Experience designing full machinery assemblies, not just components. Strong problem solving mindset and genuine enthusiasm for engineering The Benefits £35,000 – £50,000 salary 25 days holiday + bank holidays Early finish every Friday (1pm) SolidWorks training provided Company Performance related bonus 38-hour working week Pension scheme Long-term stability within a growing SME 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
Service Engineer
£45000 - 45000 per year DOUBLE PAY + EXCELLENT BONUSES
Ashford
Role: Service Engineer Shift: Mon-Fri Days (7:30-4:30) Salary: Up to £45,000 (O.T. 1.25, 1.5, 2.0) + Excellent Bonuses Location: Ashford The Company Are you interested in working for a well-established yet growing company? Do you want a clear, structured vision for your career? My client is a specialist in industrial equipment refurbishment. This client boasts a yearly revenue turnover in the millions, and supplies their services all over the UK. They are constantly investing in machines for you to refurbish and make essentially brand-new. They are looking for another motivated Service Engineer to join their team and unlock future development! The Role As a Service Engineer for this company, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Electrical and mechanical fault finding Working on various processing machinery such as slicers, dicers, mixers, ovens, grinders etc. Welding and fabricating Confidently stripping and replacing mechanical components such as conveyor belts, sprockets, gearboxes, blades, spirals etc. Fault find electrically within control panels, sensors, safety relays, circuit breakers etc. Driving a company van to attend customer sites, performing machine installations About You The ideal Service Engineer will have the following: A full UK licence An engineering apprenticeship Experience working independently or as part of a team A sound understanding of key electrical and mechanical components Previous welding/fabricating experience is beneficial, though not essential Company Benefits The company also discloses numerous benefits for the role of Service Engineer which include: x2 generous Annual Bonuses! 28 days of holiday allowance, increased upon years of service Boost your earnings with up to 2.0x Overtime payments! A healthy contribution towards your pension The opportunity to be working in with a substantial team within a growing industry 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
Technical Proposal Engineer
£45000 - 50000 per year - 25 days holiday + bank holidays - Hybrid working: 2 days from home - Life assurance - Company pen
Coventry
Technical Proposal Engineer Coventry (Hybrid – 2 days from home) Competitive salary: £45,000 – £50,000 25 days holiday + bank holidays Hybrid working: 2 days from home Life assurance Company pension contribution Career development opportunities in a global organisation Reference: 242 Location: Coventry ATA Recruitment are representing a global engineering organisation at the forefront of industrial innovation, supporting customers across automotive, EV, aerospace, metals, and wider manufacturing sectors. The business designs and delivers bespoke capital equipment, engineered systems and future‑focused production solutions, helping customers transition into cleaner, smarter and more efficient manufacturing environments. Due to ongoing global growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Technical Proposal Engineer to take ownership of proposals, estimating and spares activities across their UK engineering operation. The Role – Technical Proposal Engineer Create high‑quality proposals, tender documents and technical submissions. Produce accurate costings, BoMs, labour estimates and commercial breakdowns. Translate customer specifications into robust engineered solutions. Work with engineering teams to assess feasibility, risks and scope. Support the sales function with technical presentations and client discussions. About You Experience as a Technical Proposal Engineer or similar (Applications, Costings, Proposals). Strong understanding of mechanical or electrical engineering principles. Background in machinery, automated systems, special purpose equipment or process‑based engineering. Ability to read drawings, specifications and technical documentation. Strong commercial and organisational skills. Why Join? This is an exciting opportunity for a Technical Proposal Engineer who wants to join a globally recognised engineering organisation leading the way in advanced manufacturing, sustainability and next‑generation industrial technology. You’ll play a major role in shaping engineered solutions that help customers improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and embrace innovation. If you're a driven Technical Proposal Engineer looking for a role with influence, global collaboration and long‑term development, apply now to be considered. 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: Bav Patel Recruitment Consultant 07704543752 Bhavesh.patel@ata-recruitment.co.uk 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
£45000 - 50000 per year 24 days + Bank Holidays - Pension Contribution
Northamptonshire
Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Northamptonshire Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum Hours: Monday to Friday Holidays: 24 days + Bank Holidays Reference: BP 241 We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join a innovative team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a company that designs and manufactures high-performance recycling equipment, providing turnkey solutions for a variety of industries. About Our Client: They specialize in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty conveyors and other recycling equipment. Our products are used to sort, transport, and transform waste in various applications. They serve a diverse range of industries including waste management, warehousing, security shredding, and pulp and paper. With over 70 years of industry experience, they pride themselves on our innovative and robust designs. Key Responsibilities: Project Management: Oversee smaller projects independently and collaborate on larger projects as part of a team. Design: Utilize 3D modelling to design machinery and plant layouts, focusing on fabricated products such as sheet metal. Compliance: Ensure designs adhere to Machinery Directives and health & safety requirements. Budgeting: Manage budgets for equipment, materials, and labour hours. Collaboration: Liaise with sub-contractors, production, and assembly teams. Site Visits: Conduct site visits for measurements and client consultations. Documentation: Create Bills of Materials (BOMs), costings, and installation manuals. What They Offer: Growth Opportunities: The right Mechanical Design Engineer will have opportunities to grow and progress within the business. Training: Internal and external training opportunities, including software courses for those not familiar with SolidWorks. Supportive Environment: A relaxed atmosphere with a focus on staff well-being and low turnover rates. What They Are Looking For: Experience: A Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong engineering background with knowledge of structural and sheet metal fabrication, steel manufacturing, and heavy machinery designs. Skills: Proficiency in CAD design, and adherence to machinery directives. Qualities: Leadership and mentoring abilities, commercial acumen, and strong relationship-building skills. Qualifications: Open to various qualifications, Why Join Them? Innovative Projects: Work on exciting projects ranging from £500k to £8 million in value. Strong Team: Join a collaborative team with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Future Growth: Be part of a company with a strong order book and plans to double production capacity. ‘’If you are a motivated and experienced Project Engineer looking for a new challenge, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join our team and contribute to our continued success.’’ 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 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
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
£40000 - 55000 per year Flexible Working Hours + Rapidly Expanding Business
Nottinghamshire
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Nottinghamshire Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 (DOE) 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays The company: Our client is a leading provider of mechanical engineering services in the area, supplying, designing an installing Bespoke Materials Handling Equipment and Special Purpose Machinery. Established in the area, they have built a strong reputation for delivering quality service to their clients nationwide in the FMCG, and Logistics industries. Their team designs and assembles a variety of products, including conveyor systems, robots, structural steel work, Crane Systems, and more. They pride themselves in a providing a high standard of craftsmanship and innovation, Working with multi-billion-pound business across the UK. The business has grown incredibly from a turnover £12 million a decade ago to in excess of £50 million today. They currently employ over 150 employees across the business, with around 10 engineers in the design team. As part of their continued growth they are looking to recruit two additional Senior Mechanical Design Engineers with immediate effect. The Role As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for carrying all the design work for live projects the company are currently delivering. Your responsibilities will include: Producing 3D models for conveyor systems on SolidWorks Producing detailed 2D manufacturing drawings for components and parts required for conveyor systems. Creating 2D layout drawings to show how the company’s equipment will fit into the client’s site. Attending internal meetings to discuss project progress Carrying out calculations required for sizing motors, cylinders and other parts required for the conveyor systems. Attending site visits and consulting clients to understand project requirements. Taking feedback from both the manufacturing and installation teams during projects to make any changes to designs as required. The role will see you using a combination for SolidWorks and AutoCAD dependent on project. The Candidate To be successful in your application for this Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role you will need: Previous use of SolidWorks is preferred but the client will consider other CAD packages if you previous conveyor system design experience. A general understanding of engineering principles and the ability to problem solve. Experience with the design of conveyor systems Strong attention to detail. Able to work well to project deadlines. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently. The Benefits For this Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role the following benefits are on offer: Competitive salary package - £40k - £55k Depending on experience. Office-based role, with small friendly team Working hours of: 8:30am – 5pm (Mon-Friday) With option for flexible hours starting as early as 6:30am 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays A supportive and collaborative work environment Opportunities for professional development and career growth within an expanding team How to Apply: If you are a motivated and experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer looking to join a growing company, we want to hear from you! Please send your CV to Harjot Singh at harjot.singh@ata-recruitment.co.uk or give me a call on 0116 218 1666 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
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