Plant Engineer

Our client is seeking an experienced and licensed Plant Engineer to lead all engineering functions at our facility. This is a high-impact role responsible for the design, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement of plant systems, equipment, and infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) who combines strong technical expertise with hands-on leadership to keep operations running safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering activities for the plant, including mechanical, electrical, structural, and process systems
• Serve as the site's licensed Professional Engineer of record, reviewing and stamping engineering drawings, calculations, and documentation as required by state law
• Lead capital improvement projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management
• Develop and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime
• Ensure all plant systems and modifications comply with OSHA, EPA, local building codes, and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Conduct root cause analysis on equipment failures and process deviations; implement corrective and preventive actions
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, and Quality teams to identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage relationships with outside engineering firms, equipment vendors, and contractors
• Develop engineering specifications, standards, and procedures for the facility
• Support energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost-reduction initiatives
• Prepare and manage the engineering department's operating and capital budgets
• Lead or support facility expansion, equipment installation, and process automation projects
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for equipment, drawings, permits, and inspections
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to maintenance technicians and junior engineering staff
• Participate in incident investigations and support the facility's safety culture
• Serve as a technical resource during audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred); other engineering disciplines (Electrical, Chemical, Civil, Industrial) will be considered with relevant plant/industrial experience
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Minimum of [5–8] years of engineering experience
• Strong working knowledge of applicable codes and standards
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects from design through startup
• Proven ability to read and develop technical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specifications
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and CAD software
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Project management certification (PMP) a plus
• Experience with automation/controls systems (PLCs, SCADA) a plus