Project Engineer

• Lead engineering and automation projects with a strong focus on safety
• Drive process improvements to boost efficiency, quality, and productivity
• Join a values-driven team in a leading Australian food manufacturing business

The Business

Patties Food Group is a proud leader in Australia's food manufacturing industry, known for delivering iconic, high-quality products that bring people together. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and integrity, we continue to grow while maintaining the values that make us unique. At Patties, we believe in trusting our teams, taking ownership of our work, showing courage to push boundaries, and always acting with integrity.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and driven Project Engineer (Automation & Food Safety) to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Operational Excellence & Capital Projects Manager at our Bairnsdale site, this role plays a critical part in ensuring that engineering projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety and regulatory standards. The key duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to;

• Leading with a safety-first mindset, ensuring workplace and food safety compliance across all projects.
• Planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering projects from concept through to completion.
• Designing and implementing automation systems (PLCs, SCADA, HMIs) that improve efficiency and product quality.
• Managing suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams to deliver on scope, budget, and timelines.
• Conducting risk assessments, identifying hazards, and ensuring compliance with HACCP, GMP, BRC, and environmental standards.
• Continuously optimising production processes, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity.
• Providing technical support, training, and troubleshooting during installation, commissioning, and ongoing operations.
• Other ad hoc duties as per directed.

The Person

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about food safety, automation, and delivering excellence. The key attributes and competencies to be successful in this role include;

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of project engineering experience (food manufacturing preferred).
• A strong commitment to Health & Safety and the ability to lead by example.
• Sound knowledge of food safety and compliance frameworks (HACCP, GMP, BRC).
• Strong technical skills in automation systems, CAD design, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with production, quality assurance, maintenance, and external stakeholders.
• Financial and project management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis.

Our Benefits

At Patties, we take pride in being a values-driven organisation where our people are at the heart of everything we do. In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer:

• A safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Exposure to industry-leading food safety and automation projects.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
• The chance to work with a passionate team that lives by the values of Trust, Ownership, Courage, and Integrity.

Ready to make the move?

Apply today if this role seems like something you could be interested Please note we are an Equal Opportunity Employer - everyone's welcome here, and we're committed to creating a respectful, inclusive place to work.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fee of any type will be paid in the event we hire a candidate whose resume is submitted by an employment agency to any of our employees without a valid written recruitment agreement. Such resumes shall be deemed the sole property of Patties Food Group.