Plant Industrialization Engineer

About the Job

Danone is seeking a Plant Industrialization Engineer in Portland, Oregon to combine Project Engineer (PE) and Plant Industrialization Manager (PIM) responsibilities. The role focuses on executing capital projects and leading industrialization of packaging, product, and productivity initiatives across the manufacturing facility.

• Participate in and manage requisition and capital authorization requests, monitoring project spending and providing technical and management expertise.
• Translate business needs into equipment requirements for plant operations, including new product launches, innovations, and major repairs.
• Collaborate with plant teams, corporate engineering, sourcing, R&D, Danone Engineering Worldwide, vendors, suppliers, contractors, operators, and auditors.
• Coordinate resources to ensure safe, timely, and successful project completion.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with vendors, suppliers, sister companies, and technology sources.
• Develop specifications and references to Global Danone Standards.
• Prepare technical proposals for feasibility studies of new concepts, product launches, and product improvements.
• Assist in creating a master and strategic plan for packaging and processing departments, covering layout, material handling, and utilities.
• Continuously improve methods and tools for engineering and project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and support to consumer business units.
• Administer guidance on new projects to meet standards for quality, food safety, and operating efficiencies.
• Serve as single point of contact for weekly trial schedules, ensuring pre‑trial tasks and post‑trial activities align with success criteria.
• Lead trials, manage root causes, and ensure follow‑through of risks and recommendations.
• Act as gatekeeper for qualification trial standards.
• Ensure proper transition of ownership to plant quality and production teams during initial production phases.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Chemical, or related engineering science.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in engineering system design for a manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of high‑speed packaging system design, integrated automation, and controls technology.
• Knowledge of dairy process engineering and PMO, 3A standards.
• Project management skills and familiarity with project management processes, tools, financial and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and MS Project.
• Ability to work with clients, vendors, and cross‑functional teams at all organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Rapid problem‑solving ability in ambiguous scenarios.
• Proactive, professional, and able to take direction effectively.
• Strong prioritization and deadline‑management skills.
• Experience leading multiple projects simultaneously and adapting to changing priorities.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including weekends or late shifts during installations.
• Leadership, interpersonal, and self‑management skills for working with plant personnel and minimal supervision.
• Preferred:
  Experience with TQM, Six Sigma, and team building.
• Experience developing plans within regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, FDA).

Up to 15% annually.

Salary range: $80,000 – $110,000 USD.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401(k) plan, wellness program, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible time off, paid parental bonding leave, performance‑based bonus, and hybrid work environment.

Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial, or local law.