Process & Maintenance Engineer (Manufacturing & New Production Line)

The Microbiomics Group; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Microbiomics Group in Brisbane is seeking a Process & Maintenance Engineer to lead the engineering side of a new production line from design input through installation, commissioning, validation and handover to production. You will ensure equipment is safe, food-safe and fit for purpose.

You will drive preventive maintenance, support IQ/OQ/PQ activities with suppliers, and scale up products from trials to full production while maintaining GMP, HACCP and WHS standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process or Mechatronic Engineering, or a trade qualification with strong process experience.
• 3+ years in GMP manufacturing (food/nutraceutical/pharma).
• Hands-on mechanical skills with powder and liquid handling, filling and packaging equipment.
• Experience installing and commissioning new equipment or production lines.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and hygienic equipment design.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Practical problem-solver who works well on the factory floor.
• Excellent communication, organisation and documentation skills.
• Full Australian working rights.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and layout of our new production line, including process flow, equipment specification, utilities and hygienic design.
• Support equipment procurement, installation, commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) with suppliers and contractors.
• Carry out planned and breakdown maintenance on production equipment.
• Build and manage a preventive maintenance program, including schedules, critical spare parts and maintenance records.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to reduce downtime, waste and product loss.
• Scale up new products from NPD trials to full production.
• Write and maintain SOPs, process flow diagrams, work instructions and change controls.
• Ensure equipment and processes meet GMP, HACCP and hygienic requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in throughput, line efficiency (OEE) and cost.
• Coordinate external contractors such as licensed electricians and OEM technicians.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hands-on problem solving

Communication

Documentation

Australian work rights

Education

Engineering degree or mechanical trade qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

PLC/HMI familiarity

CMMS

Job description

Process & Maintenance Engineer (Manufacturing & New Production Line)

Responsible for the reliability, performance and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and processes, and for leading the engineering side of the new production line from design input through installation, commissioning, validation and handover to production, ensuring equipment is safe, food-safe and fit for purpose.

About the Role

Responsible for the reliability, performance and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and processes, and for leading the engineering side of the new production line from design input through installation, commissioning, validation and handover to production, ensuring equipment is safe, food-safe and fit for purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and layout of our new production line, including process flow, equipment specification, utilities and hygienic design.

• Support equipment procurement, installation, commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) with suppliers and contractors.

• Carry out planned and breakdown maintenance on production equipment.

• Build and manage a preventive maintenance program, including schedules, critical spare parts and maintenance records.

• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to reduce downtime, waste and product loss.

• Scale up new products from NPD trials to full production.

• Write and maintain SOPs, process flow diagrams, work instructions and change controls.

• Ensure equipment and processes meet GMP, HACCP, food safety and WHS requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement in throughput, line efficiency (OEE) and cost.

• Coordinate external contractors such as licensed electricians and equipment (OEM) technicians.

What You Bring

• Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Process or Mechatronic Engineering, or a trade qualification (e.g. Mechanical/Maintenance Fitter) with strong process experience.

• 3+ years’ experience in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or similar GMP manufacturing.

• Hands-on mechanical skills with powder and liquid handling, filling and packaging equipment.

• Experience installing and commissioning new equipment or production lines.

• Sound understanding of GMP, HACCP and hygienic equipment design.

• Ability to read engineering drawings, process flow diagrams and electrical schematics.

• A practical problem-solver who is comfortable working on the factory floor.

• Excellent communication, organisation and documentation skills.

• Full Australian working rights.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with probiotics, dairy powders or other heat- and moisture-sensitive products.

• Experience with extrusion, especially cold or low-temperature extrusion (e.g. pellets or animal treats).

• Experience with sachet or stick-pack (VFFS) machines, checkweighers and metal detectors.

• Familiarity with PLCs and HMIs, or a restricted electrical licence.

• Knowledge of TGA GMP, APVMA or FSANZ requirements.

• CAD skills (e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for layouts and equipment drawings.

• Exposure to Lean, TPM or a maintenance management system (CMMS).

About us

TMG creates health and wellness products for people and animals, with end-to-end expertise from ingredients and formulation through to manufacturing. We help brand owners innovate, formulate and create world-class products, guided by our values: Inspired by Nature, Science First and Enhancing Life.