Plant Industrialization Engineer

At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are hiring a Plant Industrialization Engineer based in Eugene, Oregon.

The Plant Industrialization Engineer performs a combination of Project Engineer (PE) and Plant Industrialization Manager (PIM) functions. The PE leads execution of capital projects in processing, packaging and utilities, and oversees project management from investigation through execution, ensuring alignment with Danone standards including safety, food safety, energy and water conservation. The PIM serves as the single point of contact between the plant and cross-functional teams (PMO, R&I, Quality, etc.),

coordinating product and packaging industrialization projects, managing trials, and ensuring plant readiness to supply the product. The PIM bridges corporate and plant locations to ensure project success and escalate risks when appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in and manage requisition and capital authorization requests; be accountable for project spending and provide technical and management expertise on engineering projects as assigned by the Plant Engineering Manager.
• Validate business needs with cross-sections of the business and translate into equipment requirements for plant operations improvements, new product launches, innovations, and major repairs.
• Interact with plant teams (Packaging, Processing, Quality, Finance, Management), Corporate Engineering, Sourcing & Supplier Development, R&D, Danone Engineering Worldwide, vendors, contractors, operators, and auditors.
• Coordinate and direct necessary resources to ensure safe, timely and successful project completion.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with vendors and suppliers and other sources of applicable technologies.
• Write specifications and reference Global Danone Standards.
• Prepare technical proposals for feasibility studies of new concepts, product launches, and product improvements.
• Assist in developing a master and strategic plan for packaging and processing departments (layout, material handling, utilities) needed for project growth.
• Continuously improve methods and tools for engineering and project execution; align with current equipment and process specifications.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to consumer business units.
• Coordinate and prioritize weekly trial schedules for the plant; manage pre-trial and post-trial tasks and ensure alignment with success criteria and data collection.
• Lead trials and manage breakdowns, root causes, and next steps.
• Act as gatekeeper to ensure qualification trial standards are followed and validated on each project.
• Provide industrial input and approval on all packaging and product specifications with SMEs as needed.

Qualifications /

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Chemical or related engineering field.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in engineering systems design for manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of high-speed packaging systems design, integrated automation and controls technology.
• Knowledge of dairy process engineering and PMO, 3A standards.
• Project management skills and experience with capital projects, including financial and analytical aspects.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, MS Project).
• Ability to work with clients, vendors, and team members at all levels; excellent verbal and written communication.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and resolve issues with limited information and ambiguity.
• Proactive, professional, and able to work with minimal supervision; capable of leading multiple projects and adapting to changing priorities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends or late shifts during installation periods.
• Experience with TQM, Six Sigma, and team-building is preferred.
• Experience developing plans within regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, FDA).

Equal Opportunity Danone North America is an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable law.