Join us as Mechanical Engineering Specialist at Unilever Spain
Function: Supply Chain Engineering
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Location: Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
Terms & Conditions: Full-time Local Terms
All resumes must be in English.
JOB PURPOSEWe are looking for a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join our Engineering team at Unilever's Leioa plant. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who wants to take ownership of plant improvement projects from concept through implementation and see the direct impact of their work on the factory floor.
In this role, you will design and lead engineering projects that enhance the plant's efficiency, safety, and operational capabilities. You will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety teams, suppliers, and contractors while gaining exposure to global engineering networks across Unilever. This opportunity is ideal for a technically curious engineer looking to further develop project leadership skills within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAs a Mechanical Engineering Specialist, you will be responsible for delivering engineering improvement projects while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading improvement projects from definition to delivery, including scope, resources, timelines, and execution plans
- Driving change management activities for technical projects, ensuring implementation is structured and appropriately documented
- Partnering with suppliers and contractors to develop safety prevention plans and ensure regulatory compliance
- Overseeing daily project execution, approving work permits, and assuming technical and safety ownership of assigned activities
- Managing project budgets in coordination with Finance and monitoring spending against approved CAPEX plans
- Supporting engineering governance processes, including project prioritization and cross-functional coordination
- Designing installations that meet the needs of multiple departments and translating business requirements into technical solutions
- Communicating technical requirements clearly to suppliers and leading technical discussions to achieve alignment among stakeholders
- Coordinating multiple complex projects while adapting to production schedules, plant shutdown windows, safety, and quality requirements
- Collaborating with other Unilever sites and global engineering teams to share knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise
We are looking for:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
- 3-5 years of relevant experience, ideally within industrial or manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated potential to grow into project leadership roles and manage projects independently
- Working knowledge of P&ID, Microstation, AutoCAD, and standard Microsoft Office tools
- Experience managing engineering improvement projects, CAPEX investments, or technical initiatives is preferred
- Strong understanding of safety requirements and engineering best practices within a manufacturing environment
- Excellent project management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach, with the ability to balance shopfloor presence and technical planning activities
- Flexibility to adapt to operational priorities and changing project timelines
- Advanced English skills, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate effectively with international suppliers and global teams
As part of our Engineering team, you will have real ownership of projects from day one, with the opportunity to lead initiatives that directly impact plant performance and operational excellence. You will work in a collaborative environment, gain exposure to global engineering best practices, and build a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities within Unilever's manufacturing network.
Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.
Skills Required
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
- 3-5 years of relevant experience, ideally within industrial or manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated potential to grow into project leadership roles and manage projects independently
- Working knowledge of P&ID
- Working knowledge of MicroStation
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD
- Working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office tools
- Experience managing engineering improvement projects, CAPEX investments, or technical initiatives
- Strong understanding of safety requirements and engineering best practices within a manufacturing environment
- Excellent project management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach with shopfloor presence and technical planning ability
- Flexibility to adapt to operational priorities and changing project timelines
- Advanced English skills, both written and spoken
Unilever Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Unilever and has not been reviewed or approved by Unilever.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and occupational health support alongside a 24/7 employee assistance program. Wellbeing offerings such as health checks, resilience tools, and counseling support the perceived depth of health-related benefits.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) match that reaches up to 5% of base salary, strengthening the overall value of the package. Share and savings options are also referenced as part of longer-term financial support beyond salary.
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Flexible Benefits — Benefits customization is enabled through tools such as a “My Reward” system and a “Benefits Envelope” that allows employees to personalize selections. Flexible working approaches are also associated with improved overall satisfaction, reinforcing perceived choice and adaptability in the total rewards offering.
Unilever Insights
What We Do
Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club and Dermalogica. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.
