Utilities Engineer

Process Automation – Controls.Instruments.Validations, Inc.; Cork; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PACIV is seeking an experienced Utilities Engineer for a site-based Food & Beverage project in Ireland. You will own utilities delivery, support design, installation, commissioning, and handover of HVAC, steam, cooling, nitrogen, and water systems while ensuring hygiene and regulatory compliance.

You will work with EPCM partners, suppliers, and a cross-functional team to optimise energy use and drive safety, quality, and on-time delivery. This role is site-based in Cork.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in utilities engineering in regulated sectors.
• Hands-on experience with multiple utility systems (HVAC, water/wastewater, steam, compressed air).
• Experience with energy management and system optimization.
• Ability to liaise with suppliers, contractors and engineering firms.

Responsibilities

• Utilities Ownership: act as SME onsite for utilities requirements.
• Project Engineering: lead utility-related greenfield/brownfield installations and IQ/OQ/PQ.
• CAPEX: support scope, planning, and cost forecasting; manage changes.
• Collaboration: work with Quality, Operations, EHS, R&I, Maintenance and Engineering.
• Procurement & Supplier Management: assist tenders and supplier alignment.
• Standards, Compliance & Safety: ensure GMP/HACCP hygiene zoning compliance.
• Operational Readiness & Handover: develop SOPs and training; handover to ops.
• Reporting & Decision Support: provide progress updates and risk mitigation.

Skills

Utilities engineering

HVAC systems

Chilled Water & Refrigeration

Energy management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BSc/BEng in Mechanical/Electrical/Energy Eng

Project Management Certification

Job description

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 Utilities Engineer for a F&B project. This is a site-based role.

The Utilities Engineer will be responsible for the implementation of all utilities systems, which are to be delivered safely, on time, in full and meet the stringent requirements of F&B production environments.

The role will support the design, installation, commissioning, and handover of various site utilities including HVAC systems, Compressed Air, Cooling & Steam systems, Nitrogen Generation & Storage systems, Heat Recovery & Energy optimizations systems and Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Work closely with the internal cross functional project team, EPCM partners, suppliers, and OEMs to ensure hygiene zoning, environmental control, driving energy efficiency initiatives, and regulatory compliance across the facility.

Responsibilities of the Role

Utilities Ownership

• Act as the technical owner for Utilities requirements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for all Utilities requirements onsite.

Project Engineering

• Lead and support utility related project of greenfield utility installations.
• Support Utility installation, integration, commissioning and qualification (IQ, OQ & PQ).
• Manage contractors on site to ensure on time in full milestones.
• Support FAT/SAT, performance testing, and final environmental qualifications.
• Troubleshoot utility performance issues during construction, commissioning, and startup.

CAPEX

• Support Utility CAPEX package scope, planning, and reporting.
• Provide technical input and support into cost/forecast accuracy, schedule adherence, and risk registers.
• Support change control and ensure all Utility changes are fully assessed and documented.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Operations, EHS, R&I, Maintenance and Engineering to ensure utilities meet environmental and hygienic requirements.
• Collaborate with EPCM partners, Utility consultants and existing site team on utility operations, assess availability, generation, manage tie‑ins, layout conflicts, and commissioning plans.
• Support Utility and Automation teams on interdependent systems (BMS, SCADA, EMS).

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Support technical aspects of tenders for utility systems (URS, RFQ, technical bid evaluations, clarifications).
• Partner with Regional Engineering and C&P (CAPEX Procurement) for supplier selection and contract alignment.
• Support OEM/vendor deliverables for documentation, training, spare parts, and commissioning.

Standards, Compliance & Safety

• Support compliance with Company Engineering Standards; GMP/HACCP and hygiene zoning rules; Cleanroom and environmental control guidelines; Local/European regulations & industry standards.
• Embed Safety principles in Design & execution during installation and commissioning.

Operational Readiness & Handover

• Support the development/approval of Utility ‑related SOPs, environmental control procedures, Preventative Maintenance plans, and spare parts lists.
• Ensure full technical handover to Operations and Maintenance, including training and validated documentation.

Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide structured updates on utility progress, risks, commissioning readiness, and mitigation plans.
• Provide technical insights to support strategic and operational decision‑making throughout project phases.

Requirements

Candidates must have a valid EU Work Permit and Irish residency

Please no agencies

Education

• BSc/BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering or equivalent.
• Project Management Certification preferred.

Experience & Skills Required

• 5+ years’ experience in utilities engineering in F&B, pharmaceutical, chemical or related regulated process manufacturing sector.
• Previous experience in utility delivery in greenfield / brownfield projects.
• Hands‑on experience with multiple utility systems.
• Experience in energy management and system optimization preferred.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers, contractors and external engineering firms.
• Experience with HVAC systems, Building services, Steam & Boilers systems, Chilled Water & refrigeration, Electrical Power Distribution, Compressed Air Systems, Water & Waste Water Treatment Systems.
• Ability to Interpret drawings, schematics and models.
• Experience in troubleshooting utility system performance.
• Familiarity with project management and CAPEX processes.
• Clear communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders..
• Proactive & continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration and ability to influence partners and suppliers.
• Extensive analytical and problem solving abilities in commissioning/start‑up environments.
• Commitment to Company’s safety and quality culture.