Packaging Modeling & Simulation Senior Technologist

Danone; Utrecht; Hybrid; EUR 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Yearly bonus

Pension

30 days annual leave

Health care allowance

Gym discount

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Danone Utrecht is seeking a Packaging Modeling & Simulation Senior Technologist to develop predictive models that assess packaging performance across its lifecycle, from manufacturing to recycling. You will lead modelling efforts with cross-functional teams in a hybrid Utrecht setting.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, robust validation, and the creation of common methodologies to advance AI-enabled simulation across Danone’s global R&I community.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 8–10 years of industry experience in numerical modelling and simulation.
• Proficiency in Abaqus or a comparable FEA package.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mechanics and physics-based modelling.
• Experience designing experiments and validation trials.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to various audiences.
• Experience in cross-functional and international environments.
• Professional fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop predictive packaging models across lifecycle.
• Solve strategic packaging challenges with global teams.
• Provide scientific leadership for model validation.
• Build organisational capability with training and shared methodologies.
• Grow the innovation ecosystem with external partnerships.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Finite element analysis

Python

MATLAB

Abaqus

Multiphysics simulation

Mechanical engineering

Physics-based modelling

Model validation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Abaqus

Other FEA software

Job description

About The Job

Utrecht/Hybrid

Do you want to shape the future of packaging through advanced modelling, simulation, and data-driven innovation? Join us as our next Packaging Modeling & Simulation Senior Technologist! In this global role, you will develop predictive tools that improve packaging performance throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing and transportation to consumer use and recycling.Your work will enable faster, more sustainable packaging development while strengthening modelling and simulation capabilities across Danone’s global R&I community.

As Packaging Modeling & Simulation Senior Technologist, you will lead the development and validation of numerical models that predict the mechanical and consumer performance of packaging.Working closely with Danone’s Advanced Technology Packaging Modelling & Simulation team in France, you will translate complex packaging challenges into robust scientific models and practical solutions. You will contribute to projects across Danone’s product categories and regions, helping teams make better development decisions, reduce physical testing, and accelerate packaging innovation.

You will also play an important capability-building role by developing common simulation methodologies, sharing knowledge, and enabling colleagues to use modelling, numerical simulation, and artificial intelligence more effectively.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Develop predictive packaging models: Create and validate advanced numerical models that assess packaging performance across its lifecycle, including manufacturing, transportation, consumer use, and recycling.
• Solve strategic packaging challenges: Partner with global and regional Research and Innovation teams to identify where modelling and simulation can improve decision-making, reduce development cycles, and enable better packaging solutions.
• Provide scientific leadership: Guide the scientific approach, methodology, and validation of numerical models, ensuring that solutions are robust, scalable, and relevant to business needs.
• Build organisational capability: Develop training materials, share expertise, and establish consistent methodologies to strengthen modelling, simulation, and AI capabilities across Danone.
• Grow the innovation ecosystem: Build partnerships with universities, technology providers, suppliers, and internal experts to advance end-to-end packaging simulation capabilities.

You will report to Romain Savajano, R&I Adv Techno Pack Modelling & Simulation Team Leader.

About You

You are a modelling and simulation expert who enjoys turning complex scientific questions into practical solutions. You combine deep technical knowledge with strong communication skills and are comfortable influencing, teaching, and collaborating across disciplines, cultures, and levels of technical expertise.

We recognise that relevant expertise can be developed through different career paths. If you meet most of the requirements and believe your experience could add value, we encourage you to apply.

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Advanced degree, such as a PhD or equivalent research and industry experience, in mechanical engineering, physics, materials science, computational engineering, or another relevant scientific field.
• 8-10 years of industry experience in numerical modelling and simulation, such as finite element analysis, solid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, or multiphysics simulation.
• Proficiency in at least one finite element analysis software package, ideally Abaqus or a comparable tool.
• Programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or a comparable language.
• Strong understanding of mechanics, physics-based modelling, and model validation.
• Experience designing experiments and conducting validation trials in a pilot, laboratory, or industrial environment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Experience working in cross-functional and international environments.
• Professional fluency in English.

Nice to have:

• Experience applying modelling and simulation to packaging, polymers, materials, manufacturing, or consumer product development.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence or machine learning applications in engineering and simulation.
• Experience developing training programs, technical standards, or shared simulation methodologies.
• Experience collaborating with universities, research institutes, suppliers, or technology partners.
• Working knowledge of French.

About Us

At Danone we are committed to our mission “bringing health, through food to as many people as possible”. We are working together to make sure that our brands, like Nutricia and Nutrilon, create real benefits for people, communities and the planet. You will be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps in the world. Being B Corp means to be part of a select movement of companies verified to be meeting the highest standards of social and environmental criteria and using business as a force for good. One Planet. One Health.

Our state-of-the-art research and innovation center builds bridges between food and science and is global in reach, founded on over 125 years of experience in life & food science, technology and user experience and is at the forefront of pioneering advances in specialized nutrition.

We offer:

• All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits.
• This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension, 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more) and you will receive a monthly health care allowance.
• In addition, you can get discount on your gym membership, and we offer initiatives focused on nutrition, physical, and mental health.
• We provide continuous learning opportunities through workshops, online courses and training sessions.

We put people at the center of everything we do. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions and ideas to the table – the impact you could make might surprise you. We are committed to embrace diversity, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA.

Need more information? Please contact Camila Grosso, Talent Manager via [e-mail]

* All applications will be considered for a vacancy without discrimination based on ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.