Packaging Engineer

PACIV; Ireland; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PACIV in Cork, Ireland is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer for a Food & Beverage project. The role is site-based and leads end-to-end packaging execution, including installation, integration, commissioning and readiness to handover to Operations.

You will own aseptic/ESL filler systems, drive safety, quality and hygiene compliance, and coordinate with EPCM partners and cross-functional teams to meet project milestones and performance targets.

Qualifications

• 4+ years packaging experience in F&B or regulated manufacturing.
• Aseptic/ESL filling and high-hygiene packaging technologies.
• Proven track record leading CAPEX or greenfield/brownfield projects.
• Experience with commissioning and qualification (FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Interpret engineering documents (P&IDs, PFDs, layouts, specs).
• Strong troubleshooting during installation and startup.
• Automation and process control (PLC/SCADA) understanding.
• Lead cross-functional teams and external engineering partners.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Lead technical discussions with vendors.

Responsibilities

• Technical ownership for aseptic/ESL filling systems; ensure alignment with standards.
• Lead installation, integration, commissioning and qualification of fillers.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain.
• Interface with EPCM partners, OEMs and construction for sequencing and tie-ins.
• Provide CAPEX package leadership: scope, cost, schedule and reporting.
• Contribute to risk management and change control for filler scope.
• Lead tenders for filler systems (URS/SoW, bids, clarifications).
• Coordinate with Global/Regional Eng and CAPEX Procurement on suppliers.
• Manage OEM engagement during FAT/SAT, commissioning and training.
• Ensure GMP/HACCP compliance and hygienic design principles.
• Develop SOPs, sterilization routines, PM plans and spare parts lists.
• Handover to Operations/Maintenance with training and docs.
• Provide progress updates and data-driven inputs to leadership.

Skills

End-to-end packaging

Aseptic/ESL filling

CAPEX project leadership

Commissioning & qualification

Engineering documentation

Troubleshooting during install/startup

Automation & PLC/SCADA

Cross-functional leadership

Vendor discussions & management

Education

BSc in Mechanical/Chemical/Food/Industrial Engineering

Job description

Position: Packaging Engineer. Location: Cork, Ireland.

PACIV, a global leader in industrial automation solutions with offices in Ireland, the United States and Puerto Rico, and serving the Life Science, Food & Beverage (F&B) and Utilities industries, is looking for an experienced Packaging Engineer for a F&B project. This is a site-based role.

You will be responsible for 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 Company Engineering Standards.

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 Company’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.

Responsibilities of the Role

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 Company standards and best practices.
• 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.
• 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 Company 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.

Requirements

Candidates must have a valid EU Work Permit and Irish Residency

No Agencies at this time please

Education

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.

Experience/Skills Required

• 4+ years of packaging experience in F&B, pharmaceutical, or related regulated process manufacturing sector.
• Strong experience with aseptic/ESL filling and high‑hygiene packaging technologies.
• Proven track record leading CAPEX or greenfield/brownfield industrial projects.
• 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.
• Understanding of automation and process control (PLC/SCADA).
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and external engineering partners.
• Effective communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to lead technical discussions with vendors.