Process Engineer - Macroom Manufacturing Site
We are recruiting a Process Engineer to join a highly regulated, live manufacturing environment at an established production site in the Macroom area.
Reporting to the Head of Engineering, the Process Engineer will support the delivery of process optimisation, continuous improvement, and capital project execution within a fully operational manufacturing facility.
This role is focused on improving existing production systems rather than greenfield development, with responsibility for delivering engineering solutions that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and operational performance while ensuring full compliance with GMP, food safety regulations, and internal engineering standards.
The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Production, and external OEMs/contractors to deliver projects from concept through commissioning, validation, and operational handover, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing production activities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Technical Ownership - Capital Projects
- Lead and support capital engineering projects from concept through implementation
- Define technical scope, requirements, and execution strategies
- Ensure delivery against safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives in a live production environment
2. Project Execution & Commissioning
- Manage equipment installation, commissioning, and validation activities
- Coordinate FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ execution and documentation
- Ensure successful transition from project phase to operational use
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams
- Act as technical interface between internal stakeholders and OEMs/suppliers
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of process and equipment issues
4. CAPEX Support & Governance
- Support CAPEX justification, planning, and execution activities
- Provide technical input into investment proposals and approvals
- Ensure governance and compliance throughout the project lifecycle
5. Procurement & Supplier Management
- Develop RFQs and technical specifications for equipment and services
- Engage with OEMs, contractors, and vendors on technical solutions
- Lead technical evaluations and supplier discussions
6. Standards, Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with GMP, food safety, and regulatory requirements
- Apply hygienic design principles and internal engineering standards
- Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture across all activities
7. Operational Readiness & Handover
- Ensure smooth transition of projects into live production operations
- Provide documentation, training, and support to operations teams
- Validate performance against defined project and process objectives
8. Reporting & Decision Support
- Provide regular project updates, KPIs, and technical reporting
- Support data-driven decision-making for engineering initiatives
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the site
Educational & Experience Requirements
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or related discipline
- 3-6+ years' engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition preferred)
- Proven experience delivering CAPEX projects from concept through installation and validation
- Strong background in process optimisation and performance improvement
- Experience working with OEMs, contractors, and cross-functional teams
Technical Skills
- Experience with commissioning and qualification activities (FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ)
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings (P&IDs, PFDs, layouts, specifications)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability
- Knowledge of CAPEX processes and project management principles
- Familiarity with automation and process control systems (PLC/SCADA desirable)
- Understanding of CIP systems and hygienic process design (preferred)
- Experience preparing RFQs and technical documentation
- Ability to lead technical discussions with suppliers and stakeholders
