Project Engineer

Role overview

An opportunity has opened in the Macroom manufacturing area for a Process Engineer to join a tightly regulated food and nutrition production environment. The position reports to the Head of Engineering and supports process optimisation, continuous improvement, and capital project delivery across a specialist site.

The role combines project leadership, troubleshooting, and engineering improvement work. It involves driving capital initiatives, resolving process and facility issues, improving P&ID standards, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and overall plant performance. Projects are expected to move from early concept through commissioning, validation, and operational handover while meeting GMP, food safety, regulatory, and site engineering standards.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of capital engineering assignments from initial concept through to completion.
• Define the technical scope, design needs, and implementation approach for each project.
• Make sure project delivery stays aligned with safety, quality, cost, and timeline targets.
• Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and close-out activities.
• Manage FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ stages, along with the required documentation.
• Coordinate site preparation and ensure a smooth transition into operational use.
• Work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams.
• Serve as the technical point of contact between internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Support diagnosis and resolution of process and facility-related issues.
• Assist with CAPEX planning, business justification, execution, and governance.
• Provide technical input for investment cases, approvals, and project reviews.
• Prepare RFQs and detailed technical specifications for equipment and services.
• Engage with OEMs, contractors, and vendors to identify suitable technical solutions.
• Lead technical conversations and participate in supplier assessments.
• Ensure adherence to GMP, food safety, regulatory, and site engineering requirements.
• Apply hygienic design principles and promote a strong safety-focused culture.
• Support operational readiness through training, documentation, and handover support.
• Track project progress, report KPIs, and share technical updates with stakeholders.
• Contribute to data-led engineering decisions and wider site improvement work.

Requirements

• A tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 3–6+ years of experience in a regulated manufacturing setting, preferably in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, or nutrition.
• Proven track record of delivering CAPEX projects from concept through implementation and validation.
• Strong capability in process optimisation and operational performance improvement.
• Experience working with OEMs, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Sound understanding of contractor safety and site working practices.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning and qualification activities such as FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including P&IDs, PFDs, layouts, and technical specifications.
• Experience preparing RFQ packs and technical scopes.
• Strong troubleshooting ability and structured root cause analysis skills.
• Knowledge of project management principles and CAPEX governance.
• Exposure to automation and process control systems such as PLC and SCADA.
• Familiarity with CIP systems and hygienic process design.
• Confidence in leading technical discussions with suppliers and OEMs.

Additional information

This is a full-time, onsite role based in the Macroom area of Cork, County Cork, Ireland. The position has been created due to site growth and internal progression.

No salary, stipend, number of openings, start date, duration, or application deadline was provided in the source information.

The role is suitable for experienced engineers with a background in regulated manufacturing who can manage technical projects, improve processes, and support safe and compliant operations.