Packaging Engineer

Baker Finn Recruitment; Cork; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Finn Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Packaging Engineer – End-of-Line (EOL) for a major greenfield nutrition facility. You will own the end-to-end engineering execution of downstream packaging systems, including installation, integration, commissioning and qualification.

Reporting to the Packaging Engineering Lead, you will collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS and Supply Chain to achieve readiness and optimise changeovers, while ensuring compliance with GMP/HACCP and

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher in Mechanical/Packaging/Mechatronics/Industrial Engineering.
• 3+ years' engineering experience in regulated manufacturing (food, pharma, nutrition).
• Experience with CAPEX, installation, and start-up activities.
• Strong exposure to EOL packaging technologies (conveyors, labelling, palletising).
• Ability to read P&IDs, PFDs and technical specs.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end EOL packaging systems installation, commissioning, IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Lead interface with EPCM partners, OEMs and construction teams.
• Ensure GMP/HACCP compliance and hygienic design throughout EOL.
• Support risk management, project controls and change management.
• Provide updates on progress, risks and readiness.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Packaging/Mechatronics/Industrial Engineering

Job description

Baker Finn Recruitment is currently recruiting an experienced Packaging Engineer – End-of-Line (EOL) on behalf of our client, a leading organisation delivering a major greenfield investment in a next-generation specialised nutrition manufacturing facility.

Reporting to the Packaging Engineering Lead, the successful candidate will own the end-to-end engineering execution of downstream packaging systems, supporting installation, integration, commissioning, performance testing and operational readiness.

The role will cover systems including conveyors and accumulation, checkweighers, in-line vision and closure inspection, labelling and printing, shrink/tray/case packing, palletising, pallet labelling, stretch wrapping and AGV/pallet conveyor interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Ownership – End-of-Line

• Act as technical owner for EOL packaging systems including conveyors, accumulation, checkweighers, vision/inspection, printers/labelers, case/tray packing, palletising, pallet labelling, stretch wrapping and AGV/pallet conveyor integration.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for EOL technical decisions and ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards and industry best practices.
• Lead installation, integration, commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of EOL systems and their interfaces with fillers and utilities.
• Execute EOL commissioning and start-up strategy including FAT/SAT, performance testing, ramp-up to target OEE and punch-list closure.
• Troubleshoot EOL equipment issues during construction, commissioning and start-up to meet safety, quality, capacity and efficiency requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain to ensure EOL readiness, trial planning and optimised changeovers.
• Act as technical interface with EPCM partners, OEM suppliers and construction teams for installation sequencing, utility tie-ins and commissioning plans.
• Provide technical support to the EOL CAPEX package including scope definition, cost forecasting, scheduling input and engineering deliverable follow-up.
• Support risk management, project controls and technical change control.
• Lead technical aspects of tenders for EOL equipment and support supplier selection, contract negotiations and performance guarantees.
• Manage OEM engagement through FAT/SAT, installation support, commissioning, training and documentation delivery.

Standards, Compliance & Operational Readiness

• Ensure EOL systems comply with GMP/HACCP and high-hygiene/hygienic design requirements.
• Embed Safety by Design throughout EOL engineering activities and ensure validation and documentation requirements are achieved.
• Develop or support SOPs, cleaning routines, preventative maintenance plans and spare-parts strategies.
• Support documented handover to Operations and Maintenance, including training, troubleshooting guides and performance baselines.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement.

Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide structured updates on EOL progress, risks, issues, commissioning readiness and mitigation actions.
• Provide timely technical insights to support strategic and operational decisions.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years' engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical or nutrition manufacturing.
• Proven experience in CAPEX, equipment installation and/or greenfield or brownfield project environments.
• Strong exposure to EOL packaging technologies including conveyors, inspection, labelling, case packing and palletising.
• Experience engaging OEMs, engineering partners and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with commissioning and qualification including FAT/SAT and IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Ability to interpret engineering documents including P&IDs, PFDs, layouts and technical specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting skills during installation and start-up.
• Familiarity with project management principles and CAPEX processes.
• Understanding of automation and process control including PLC/SCADA.
• Ability to lead technical discussions with suppliers.
• Sherpa qualification would be advantageous.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a technically strong, proactive engineering professional who can operate effectively within a fast-paced project and manufacturing environment.

• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Strong collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Proactive problem-solving in fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to a safety-first culture.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the delivery and start-up of a significant new manufacturing facility, with broad exposure to engineering execution, commissioning, CAPEX delivery, supplier management and operational readiness.

If you have relevant packaging engineering experience within food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, nutrition or another highly regulated manufacturing environment, Baker Finn Recruitment would be delighted to hear from you.