Manufacturing Process Engineer

The Process Innovation & Automation Engineer is responsible for driving manufacturing innovation through the identification, development, and implementation of automation and process improvement initiatives across food manufacturing operations. The role focuses on improving productivity, efficiency, product quality, operational reliability, and workplace safety by introducing innovative technologies, mechanized solutions, and optimized manufacturing processes.

This position manages the full project lifecycle—from opportunity assessment, feasibility studies, supplier evaluation, equipment procurement, project justification, installation, testing, commissioning, and operational handover—while ensuring compliance with engineering standards, food safety regulations, quality requirements, and company policies. The role collaborates closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Maintenance, R&D, and external equipment suppliers to deliver sustainable engineering solutions that support business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend automation opportunities, mechanization initiatives, and process improvements to increase manufacturing productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Conduct process assessments, workflow analysis, and technical feasibility studies to determine automation requirements and project viability.
• Develop detailed project scope documents, technical specifications, engineering requirements, timelines, budgets, and project implementation plans.
• Prepare comprehensive project scope lock sheets, cost-benefit analyses, ROI calculations, and capital expenditure (CAPEX) proposals for management approval.
• Lead supplier sourcing, technical evaluations, bid reviews, and vendor selection to ensure equipment solutions meet operational, quality, and business requirements.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, contractors, and third-party vendors throughout equipment design, fabrication, testing, installation, and commissioning.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), equipment validation, and qualification activities to verify compliance with technical specifications and operational standards.
• Manage the end-to-end implementation of automation and engineering projects, ensuring adherence to approved budgets, project schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Oversee equipment installation, commissioning, startup activities, and successful turnover to manufacturing teams with complete technical documentation and operator training.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to ensure new equipment and process improvements integrate seamlessly into manufacturing operations.
• Develop and standardize engineering documentation including operating procedures, equipment manuals, qualification protocols, preventive maintenance recommendations, and technical work instructions.
• Troubleshoot automation systems, control systems, PLCs, electromechanical equipment, sensors, and manufacturing equipment during project implementation and commissioning.
• Monitor post-implementation performance by analyzing productivity, downtime, efficiency, quality, and operational KPIs to ensure projects achieve targeted business outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement through emerging automation technologies, digital manufacturing solutions, and process optimization initiatives.
• Ensure all engineering projects comply with food safety standards, GMP, HACCP, occupational health and safety regulations, environmental requirements, and company engineering standards.
• Provide technical guidance and engineering expertise to cross-functional teams throughout project planning, execution, and operational support.
• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders by providing regular project updates, progress reports, risk assessments, and mitigation plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Industrial, or a related engineering discipline); Professional Engineer license is an advantage.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in process innovation, industrial automation, or engineering project management within the food manufacturing, FMCG, or related manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing automation systems, mechanization, electromechanical equipment, industrial controls, PLC programming, instrumentation, sensors, and process control technologies.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects, including equipment procurement, supplier management, installation, commissioning, validation, and operational handover.
• Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), equipment qualification, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or Continuous Improvement is an advantage.
• Strong project management, planning, budgeting, risk assessment, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities with a proactive approach to identifying innovative engineering solutions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willing to conduct regular site visits and support project implementations across manufacturing facilities.
• Willing to work in a hybrid setup based in Canlubang, Laguna.