About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. With over 113,000 colleagues serving people in more than 160 countries, Abbott is committed to advancing health worldwide.

In Ireland, Abbott has been operating since 1946 and employs approximately 6,000 people across ten sites, including six manufacturing facilities in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford, and Sligo, as well as commercial, support, and shared services in Dublin and Galway.

Abbott Nutrition Cootehill, Cavan
Our Cootehill facility is Abbott’s largest global powder manufacturing site for infant formula, producing leading brands such as Similac and Gain. Established in 1975, the site processes approximately 500,000 litres of milk daily, sourced from around 1,000 dairy farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Products manufactured here are distributed to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Canada.

Primary Purpose

The Project Engineer will manage engineering projects to support plant operations, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards. This role requires strong technical expertise, organizational skills, and collaboration across multiple departments.

We currently have a temporary 18-24month contract for the role of Project Engineer and this role will involve the following:

Key Responsibilities

Project & Operational Management

• Plan, schedule, and execute engineering projects aligned with plant requirements and resources.
• Support departmental goals and timelines in collaboration with the Engineering & EHS Manager.
• Maintain effective communication with Manufacturing, QA, Materials, HR, Technical Support, and Finance teams.
• Manage inventory and ensure proper control of stores stock levels.
• Drive efficiency improvements and cost reduction initiatives.
• Ensure preventive maintenance documentation is completed accurately.

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

• Promote good housekeeping and adherence to SOPs.
• Support Business Excellence initiatives and contribute to OEE improvement through equipment changes.
• Manage capital investments within your area of responsibility.
• Deputize for other engineers when required.
• Foster positive employee relations and ensure contractors comply with safety standards.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all Health and Safety regulations within the plant.
• Report hazards or potential risks immediately to your manager.
• Wear appropriate PPE and follow relevant SOPs at all times.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, EHS, and Abbott Global Standards.
• Enforce correct procedures for hot work, confined space entry, lockout/tagout, and working at heights.

Flexibility

• Adapt to changes in GMP, EHS, technical procedures, and new equipment requirements.
• Perform additional duties as required to meet plant needs.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant engineering experience.

Key Skills

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to motivate and lead teams effectively.
• Comfortable working at heights (platforms, scaffolding, ladders).
• Logical thinking and attention to detail to prevent equipment damage and ensure production targets.

Accountability & Scope

• High level of care required to prevent equipment damage and production delays.
• Environmental compliance is critical to avoid regulatory penalties.