Packaging Engineer – Fillers

About the Role

Baker Finn Recruitment is currently recruiting an experienced Packaging Engineer – Fillers on behalf of our client, a leading organisation delivering a major greenfield investment in a next-generation specialised nutrition manufacturing facility.
Reporting to the Packaging Engineering Lead, the successful candidate will take technical ownership of the execution, integration and commissioning of aseptic/ESL filling systems. The role will support the project through installation, commissioning, performance testing and operational readiness, ensuring equipment is delivered safely, on time and to the required quality and engineering standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with strong filling and high-hygiene packaging experience to play a key role in the delivery of a significant new manufacturing asset.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Ownership – Fillers

• Act as technical owner for aseptic/ESL filling systems, including filler/closer, cap and container sterilisation, and capping/sealing.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for filler-related technical decisions and ensure alignment with applicable engineering standards and industry best practice.

Project Execution & Commissioning

• Lead the installation, integration, commissioning and qualification of filler systems and interfaces with downstream/end-of-line equipment.
• Execute commissioning and start-up activities including FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ, performance testing and ramp-up to target OEE.
• Troubleshoot filler performance issues during construction, commissioning and start-up, ensuring requirements for safety, quality, capacity, efficiency and hygiene zoning are achieved.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality, R&I, EHS, Maintenance and Supply Chain to ensure filler readiness, trial execution and efficient changeovers.
• Act as a key technical interface with EPCM partners, OEMs and construction teams for installation sequencing, utility tie-ins and commissioning plans.

CAPEX, Procurement & Supplier Management

• Provide technical leadership and support for the filler CAPEX package, including scope definition, cost forecasting, scheduling, reporting, risk management and change control.
• Lead technical elements of tenders including URS/SoW, bid evaluations, clarifications and technical alignment.
• Support supplier selection, performance guarantees and acceptance criteria, and manage OEM engagement through FAT/SAT, onsite commissioning, training and documentation delivery.

Standards, Compliance & Operational Readiness

• Ensure filler systems comply with GMP/HACCP, aseptic and hygienic design principles, applicable regulatory requirements and project engineering standards.
• Embed Safety by Design and quality-focused engineering throughout execution and commissioning.
• Develop or support filler-related SOPs, sterilisation/cleaning routines, preventative maintenance plans and spare parts lists.
• Support structured handover to Operations and Maintenance, including training, troubleshooting guides, performance baselines and lessons learned.

Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide clear updates on progress, risks, commissioning readiness and mitigation actions to project leadership.
• Provide timely technical insights and data to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
• Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years’ engineering experience in food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical or nutrition manufacturing.
• Proven experience in CAPEX and/or greenfield or brownfield industrial projects.
• Strong exposure to aseptic/ESL filling and high-hygiene packaging technologies.
• Experience with filler/closer systems, cap and container sterilisation and capping/sealing.
• Experience with commissioning and qualification activities including FAT/SAT and IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Ability to interpret engineering documents including P&IDs, PFDs, layouts and technical specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting capability during installation and start-up.
• Familiarity with project management principles and CAPEX processes.
• Understanding of automation and process control systems such as PLC/SCADA.
• Experience engaging OEMs, external engineering partners and cross-functional teams.
• Sherpa qualification would be advantageous.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a technically strong, proactive engineering professional who can operate effectively within a fast-paced project and manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Proactive problem-solving in fast-paced project environments.
• Strong collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Commitment to a safety-first culture.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the delivery and start-up of a significant new manufacturing facility, with broad exposure to engineering execution, commissioning, CAPEX delivery, supplier management and operational readiness.
If you have relevant packaging engineering experience within food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, nutrition or another highly regulated manufacturing environment, Baker Finn Recruitment would be delighted to hear from you.
To apply or discuss the opportunity confidentially, please contact Baker Finn Recruitment.