Packaging Engineer: EOL (Contract to Mid - End of 2029)

Danone; Municipal District of Macroom; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Danone is launching a major greenfield investment to build a next-generation liquid nutrition facility. The Packaging Engineer – End-of-Line leads EOL packaging engineering execution, including installation, commissioning, and qualification of downstream packaging systems and interfaces with fillers and utilities.

You will drive readiness, safety, quality, and efficiency, collaborating with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain, and engaging OEMs and EPCM partners to meet

Qualifications

• 3+ years of engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition manufacturing.
• Experience engaging OEMs, partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Sherpa qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical owner for all EOL packaging systems (conveyors, inspection, labelling, packing, palletising, AGV interfaces).
• Lead installation, integration, commissioning, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of EOL systems and interfaces with fillers and utilities.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain for readiness and changeovers (SMED).
• Provide CAPEX support: scope definition, cost forecasting, scheduling input, deliverable follow-up.
• Lead tenders for EOL equipment and support supplier selection and negotiations.
• Ensure EOL systems comply with GMP/HACCP and Danone standards; embed Safety by Design.
• Develop SOPs, cleaning routines, PM plans; support handover to Ops/Maintenance; capture lessons learned.
• Provide structured progress reports on EOL projects and decisions to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Safety by Design

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelors degree in Mechanical/Packaging/Mechatronics/Industrial Eng or related technical discipline

Tools

P&IDs interpretation

IQ/OQ/PQ knowledge

CAPEX processes

Automation/SCADA

Job description

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, the Packaging Engineer – End‑of‑Line (EOL) will own the end‑to‑end EOL packaging engineering execution, supporting installation, integration, commissioning, performance testing, and operational readiness of all downstream packaging systems. You will ensure EOL systems are delivered safely, on time, and in full, aligned with project milestones, quality expectations, and Danone Engineering Standards.

This role offers a unique opportunity for an internal candidate to contribute directly to the successful delivery of a flagship new manufacturing asset for Specialized Nutrition. You will lead the execution and commissioning of EOL systems—including conveyors and accumulation, checkweighers, in‑line vision/closure inspection, labelling/printing, shrink/tray/case packing, palletizing, pallet labelling, stretch wrapping, and AGV/pallet conveyor interfaces—ensuring all equipment (and associated utilities) is installed, commissioned, and qualified to the highest standards.

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:

1. Technical Ownership – End‑of‑Line

• Act as the technical owner for all EOL packaging systems, including conveyors, accumulation, checkweighers, vision/inspection, printers/labelers, case/tray packing, palletizing, pallet labelling, stretch wrapping, and AGV/pallet conveyor integration.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for EOL technical decisions, ensuring compliance with Danone Engineering Standards and industry best practices.

1. Project Execution & Commissioning

• Lead the 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, ensuring performance meets safety, quality, capacity, and efficiency standards.

1. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure full EOL readiness, trial planning, and optimized changeovers (SMED).
• Act as the technical interface with EPCM partners, OEM suppliers, and construction teams for EOL installation sequencing, utilities tie‑ins, and commissioning plans.

1. CAPEX Support & Governance

• Provide technical support to the EOL CAPEX package, including scope definition, cost forecasting, scheduling input, and engineering deliverable follow‑up.
• Support risk management, project control processes, and technical change control for EOL equipment.

1. Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead technical aspects of tenders for EOL equipment
• Support Regional Engineering and C&P (CAPEX Procurement) during supplier selection, contract negotiations, and definition of performance guarantees.
• Manage OEM engagement through FAT/SAT, installation support, commissioning, training, and documentation delivery.

1. Standards, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure EOL systems comply with Danone Global Standards, GMP/HACCP, and high‑hygiene/hygienic design requirements.
• Embed Safety by Design in all EOL engineering activities and ensure all validation and documentation requirements are met.

1. Operational Readiness & Handover

• Develop or support creation of SOPs, cleaning routines, PM plans, spare‑part strategies
• Support a smooth and documented handover to Operations/Maintenance, including training, troubleshooting guides, and performance baselines.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement for future projects.

1. Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide structured updates on EOL progress, risks, issues, commissioning readiness, and mitigations to the Packaging Engineering Lead and project leadership.
• Provide timely technical insights to support strategic and operational decisions.

Education and Experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition manufacturing.
• Proven track record in CAPEX, equipment installation, or greenfield/brownfield project environments.
• Strong exposure to EOL packaging technologies (conveyors, inspection, labelling, case packing, palletizing).
• Experience engaging OEMs, partners, and cross‑functional teams.
• Sherpa qualification 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:

• Strong understanding of EOL packaging systems: conveyors/accumulation, checkweighers, vision/inspection, labelling/printing, case/tray packing, palletizers, wrappers, and AGV interfaces
• 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

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.