Process Engineer

Tirlán Limited; Lough Egish; Remote; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tirlán Limited in Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan, is seeking a Process Engineer for its UHT facility to drive process optimisation and continuous improvement across production, utilities, filling and packaging.

Reporting to Site Process Manager, you will act as SME for designated processes, lead technical investigations, apply Lean Six Sigma, support qualification and CAPEX, and mentor operators.

Join a world-class dairy manufacturing site committed to operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Engineering, Food Science or related degree required.
• Experience in manufacturing, preferably dairy or food.
• Strong data analytics and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma or DMAIC.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead process optimisation initiatives across production, packaging, utilities and milk intake operations.
• Monitor and analyse process performance, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, yield and reliability.
• Establish performance standards and support the achievement of key operational KPIs.
• Utilise data and process insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Act as the SME for designated manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for production-impacting issues.
• Support process qualification and requalification activities to ensure consistent performance against standards.
• Lead technical investigations, root cause analyses and continuous improvement projects.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and DMAIC methodologies to improve process capability and performance.
• Partner with Production, Quality and Engineering teams to develop, test and implement process improvements.
• Support change control activities and ensure all process changes are appropriately assessed, documented and approved.
• Drive process standardisation and best practice implementation across the site.
• Support process validation and performance verification activities.

Skills

Process optimisation

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

MES systems

Education

Engineering degree

Food science

Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

MES systems

Automation systems

DMAIC methods

Job description

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Help Drive Operational Excellence at One of Tirlán's Key Manufacturing Sites

Tirlán is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer brands and agri-businesses.

Our brands include Avonmore, Kilmeaden, Truly Grass Fed, Millac, Solmiko, GAIN Animal Nutrition and mymilkman.ie. With over 2,300 employees and operations spanning Ireland and international markets, our purpose is to nourish the world while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

We are currently seeking a Process Engineer to join our UHT manufacturing facility in Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a complex and highly automated production environment, supporting process optimisation, performance improvement, continuous improvement initiatives and new product implementation.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Site Process Manager, you will play a key role in improving plant performance across production, utilities, filling and packaging operations.

You will act as a technical expert for manufacturing processes, using data, engineering expertise and continuous improvement methodologies to optimise efficiency, quality and reliability. Working closely with Production, Quality, Engineering and R&D teams, you will help drive operational excellence while supporting future growth and innovation.

The Lough Egish facility incorporates a range of advanced manufacturing processes, including:

• Pasteurisation and Separation
• UHT Heat Treatment
• Automated Consumer Packaging

This role offers excellent exposure to process improvement, automation, data analytics, qualification activities and new product development within a world-class manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Process Optimisation & Performance Improvement

• Lead process optimisation initiatives across production, packaging, utilities and milk intake operations.
• Monitor and analyse process performance, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, yield and reliability.
• Establish performance standards and support the achievement of key operational KPIs.
• Utilise data and process insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigate process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Technical Leadership

• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for designated manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for production-impacting issues.
• Support process qualification and requalification activities to ensure consistent performance against agreed standards.
• Lead technical investigations, root cause analyses and continuous improvement projects.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and DMAIC methodologies to improve process capability and performance.
• Partner with Production, Quality and Engineering teams to develop, test and implement process improvements.
• Support change control activities and ensure all process changes are appropriately assessed, documented and approved.
• Drive process standardisation and best practice implementation across the site.
• Support process validation and performance verification activities.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve process documentation, standard operating procedures and technical standards.
• Complete quality management documentation including change controls, deviation investigations, event reports and root cause analyses.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental and regulatory requirements.

Training & Capability Development

• Develop training materials and process documentation to support operational excellence.
• Train and mentor operators and technical personnel in process management, automation systems and MES applications.
• Support technical competency development across manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to support new product development and commercialisation trials.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, process upgrades and capital investment projects.
• Support the introduction of new technologies that improve efficiency, performance and product quality.

What You'll Bring

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Process Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment such as food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, life sciences or consumer goods.
• Strong understanding of process optimisation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with automated manufacturing systems and production processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-led decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience within dairy, food or beverage manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or DMAIC methodologies.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification.
• Experience using MES, manufacturing data systems or process monitoring tools.
• Exposure to commissioning activities, process validation or capital projects.
• Experience supporting new product development or process scale-up activities.
• Join a leading Irish food and nutrition organisation with a strong growth agenda.
• Work in a highly automated and technically advanced manufacturing environment.
• Contribute to projects that improve plant performance, efficiency and sustainability.
• Gain exposure to process engineering, automation, continuous improvement and innovation.
• Develop your career through structured learning and progression opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative team committed to operational excellence.

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insight, food safety and world-class manufacturing, we deliver innovative food and nutrition solutions to customers around the globe.

At Tirlán, our people play a vital role in driving innovation, sustainability and growth across our business.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Tirlán, we believe that diverse teams deliver stronger outcomes. Different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate, solve problems and create value for our customers and communities.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to achieve their potential.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

This role is suitable for all genders.

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