Packaging Engineer

Short Intro and About the Job

Danone Specialized Nutrition is launching a major greenfield investment to build our next‑generation liquid nutrition facility, incorporating advanced high‑hygiene, aseptic, and state‑of‑the‑art filling and packaging technologies. Reporting to the Packaging Engineering Lead, as the Packaging Engineering Lead Fillers, you will own the end‑to‑end packaging engineering execution: Leading the workstream through installation, integration, commissioning, performance testing, and operational readiness. You will ensure all packaging systems are delivered safely, on time, and in full, aligned to project milestones, quality expectations, and Danone Engineering Standards.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a senior technical engineer to play a key part in delivering a flagship new manufacturing asset for Specialized Nutrition. In this role, you will take technical ownership of the execution, integration, and commissioning of aseptic/ESL filling systems—including filler/closer, cap and container sterilization, and capping/sealing—ensuring all equipment and associated hygienic utilities are delivered safely, on time, and in full to the required specifications. You will ensure these systems are installed, commissioned, and qualified to the highest standards, resolving technical issues as they arise during construction and start‑up. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring the facility meets Danone’s expectations for safety, quality, efficiency, and innovation as it progresses toward start‑up and operational readiness.

As part of the plant project team, you will play an important role in technical execution, commissioning readiness, documentation, and troubleshooting during start‑up. This role provides an excellent pathway for internal development into broader engineering or operations leadership positions within Danone.

About You

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Technical Ownership – Fillers

• Act as the technical owner for aseptic/ESL filling systems, including filler/closer, cap & container sterilization, and capping/sealing.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all filler‑related technical decisions, ensuring alignment with Danone standards and best practices.

Project Execution & Commissioning

• Lead the installation, integration, commissioning, and qualification of filler systems and their interfaces with downstream/EOL equipment.
• Execute the filler commissioning and start‑up strategy, including FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ, performance testing, and ramp‑up to target OEE.
• Troubleshoot filler performance issues during construction, commissioning, and start‑up to ensure safety, quality, capacity, efficiency, and hygiene zoning compliance.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure filler readiness, trial execution, and efficient changeovers (SMED).
• Act as the primary technical interface with EPCM partners, OEMs, and construction teams for filler installation sequencing, utilities tie‑ins, and commissioning plans.

CAPEX Support & Governance

• Provide technical leadership for the filler CAPEX package, supporting scope definition, cost forecasting, scheduling, and reporting.
• Contribute to risk management and change control processes for filler‑related scope.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead the technical elements of tenders for filler systems (URS/SoW, bid evaluations, clarifications, technical alignment).
• Collaborate with Global, Regional Engineering and C&P (CAPEX Procurement) on supplier selection, performance guarantees, and acceptance criteria.
• Manage OEM engagement throughout FAT/SAT, onsite commissioning, training, and documentation delivery.

Standards, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure filler systems comply with Danone global standards, GMP/HACCP, aseptic/hygienic design principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Embed Safety by Design and quality‑focused engineering in all aspects of execution and commissioning; ensure proper validation and technical documentation.

Operational Readiness & Handover

• Develop or support filler‑related SOPs, sterilization/cleaning routines, PM plans, and spare parts lists.
• Support structured handover to Operations/Maintenance, including training, troubleshooting guides, and performance baselines; document lessons learned.

Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide clear, structured updates on filler‑related progress, risks, commissioning readiness, and mitigations to the Project Director and leadership team.
• Support strategic and operational decisions with timely technical insights and data.

Education and Experience: 

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline

• 3+ years of engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition manufacturing.

• Proven track record leading CAPEX or greenfield/brownfield industrial projects.

• Strong exposure to aseptic/ESL filling and high‑hygiene packaging technologies.

• Experience managing cross-functional teams and external engineering partners.

• Sherpa qualified preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Interpersonal: 

• Strong leadership and team‑management abilities
• Effective communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Ability to influence and align cross‑functional teams
• Strong collaboration with internal and external partners
• Proactive problem‑solving in fast‑paced environments
• Ability to manage conflict constructively
• Strong stakeholder‑management and relationship‑building skills
• Commitment to a safety‑first culture

Technical: 

• Understanding of Aseptic/ESL filling: filler/closer, cap & container sterilization, capping/sealing EOL systems:
• Experience with commissioning and qualification (FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ)
• Ability to interpret engineering documents (P&IDs, PFDs, layouts, technical specs)
• Strong troubleshooting skills during installation and startup
• Familiarity with project management principles and CAPEX processes
• Understanding of automation and process control (PLC/SCADA)
• Ability to lead technical discussions with suppliers

About Us, We offer and What's next

Danone is a large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with market leading brands across four divisions: Essential Dairy and Plant Based Products, Waters, Specialised Nutrition and Medical Nutrition. Specialised Nutrition offers nutritional solutions with the shared goal of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals, from the first day of pregnancy into old age. We are looking for high calibre, dedicated and experienced personnel to complement our existing workforce.

At Danone we are passionate in our commitment to sustainability with the belief in building a healthier future through food. Our eating and drinking choices have an impact on our own health, the health of our society and the health of our planet. 

Ensuring an inclusive working culture that is accessible to all is important to us. Danone Infant Nutrition Macroom is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Please note, owing to the high volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.