Project Process Engineer

Short Intro and About the Job

At Danone, Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire a Project Process Engineer based in Portland, Oregon.

The Project Process Engineer will lead capital projects, manufacturing improvements, and new product industrialization initiatives within the plant. This role serves as the key engineering partner between manufacturing operations and cross‑functional teams, ensuring successful project execution, manufacturing readiness, and successful commercialization of new products and packaging innovations.

This position offers a unique opportunity to manage projects from concept through startup while supporting innovation, productivity, packaging, and process improvement initiatives across the facility.

• Lead capital projects involving processing, packaging, utilities, and facility improvements.
• Manage projects from concept development through implementation and operational handoff.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, equipment specifications, and implementation plans.
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Support equipment commissioning, startup, validation, and qualification activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as the plant engineering lead for product launches, packaging changes, productivity projects, and innovation initiatives.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Packaging teams to ensure successful commercialization.
• Lead plant trials, product qualifications, and validation activities.
• Coordinate trial planning, execution, and post‑trial analysis.
• Identify manufacturing risks and develop mitigation plans before launch.
• Ensure plant capabilities and operational requirements are incorporated into project design and validation activities.

• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, reliability, quality, and productivity.
• Support process optimization initiatives across packaging and processing operations.
• Utilize structured problem‑solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Recommend and implement technical improvements that reduce waste, improve quality, and enhance operational performance.

• Act as the primary engineering liaison between plant operations and cross‑functional project teams.
• Build strong working relationships with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, R&D, and external suppliers.
• Provide technical guidance during equipment selection, installation, startup, and production ramp‑up.
• Support strategic planning efforts related to manufacturing growth, facility layouts, material handling, and future capital investments.

The salary range for this position is $80,000 – $110,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401(k) plan, wellness program, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible time off, and paid parental bonding leave, among other benefit plan options.

Danone is a hybrid work environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–7 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading capital projects, equipment installations, or process improvement initiatives.
• Strong project management and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Food, beverage, dairy, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.
• Experien…