Project Engineer – bringing flavour innovations to life
A Project Engineer in the flavour industry turns technical ideas into reality, planning, managing and delivering improvements across manufacturing, process and infrastructure to support innovation, safety and efficiency.
Working in project engineering requires a blend of technical knowledge, project management skill and practical problem-solving. These roles are critical to scaling up new products, introducing new technologies and improving production capabilities.
Typical responsibilities include:
• Designing and implementing new production lines or modifications to existing processes
• Working cross-functionally with R&D, production, quality and maintenance teams
• Managing equipment procurement, installation and commissioning
• Ensuring projects meet safety, quality, budget and timeline requirements
• Troubleshooting and optimising systems and processes during and after implementation
Career path
Project engineering careers in the flavour industry often progress through:
Engineering Technician / Project Assistant – Supporting engineering teams with installations, testing and documentation.
Project Engineer – Leading projects or parts of projects, managing suppliers and contractors and ensuring technical and regulatory standards are met.
Engineering / Operations Manager – Overseeing larger capital projects, setting engineering strategy and managing teams and budgets.
Some engineers specialise in areas such as process automation, facility design or sustainability, depending on company needs and personal interests.
What qualifications help?
A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related discipline is typically required. Apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in engineering can also be an entry route for technician roles.
Hands-on experience with project planning tools, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environments are all valuable.
Certifications in project management (such as PRINCE2 or PMP), LEAN, or Six Sigma can enhance your prospects and performance in this field.