Plant Engineering Specialist

The Plant Engineering Specialist is responsible for improving performance across manufacturing, packaging, distribution, utilities, and site infrastructure operations. This role leads projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, cost, and timeline objectives.

This position blends technical engineering expertise with project management and leadership responsibilities to drive efficiencies, reduce operational costs, and improve overall plant productivity. The Specialist works cross-functionally to prioritize initiatives, coordinate resources, and deliver measurable results while supporting team development.

Success in this role requires applying multidisciplinary engineering principles (mechanical, electrical, chemical, and biological) to resolve complex operational challenges. The position also supports maintenance and reliability efforts to optimize equipment performance, minimize downtime, and extend asset life.

The ideal candidate is a proactive continuous improvement leader with strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working independently and within a team environment.

• Continuous Improvement (30%) Improve production and distribution performance by analyzing data, identifying opportunities, and implementing process or equipment enhancements.

• Maintenance & Reliability (30%) Support the development and execution of best-in-class maintenance systems, including organizational structure, training, and performance processes.

• Project Management (30%) Lead capital and non‑capital projects from justification through design, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Ensure projects meet safety, quality, budget, and timeline expectations with minimal disruption to operations.

• Coaching & Development (5%) Serve as a technical resource and mentor to production, maintenance, and operational teams.

• Collaboration & Compliance (5%) Partner with internal teams, vendors, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with applicable standards and drive consistency across sites.

• Manage project budgets and capital expenditures.
• Partner with internal teams such as Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders including suppliers, contractors, engineering firms, and regulatory agencies.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (required).

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with mechanical systems (e.g., conveyors, fluid systems, thermal processes).
• Familiarity with electrical and automation systems (e.g., PLCs, sensors, SCADA).
• Exposure to chemical or biological processes (e.g., water/wastewater treatment).
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, data analysis).
• CAD or 3D modeling experience.
• Previous PLC programming experience (preferred).
• Ability to work effectively in a plant/industrial environment.

• Standard 40‑hour workweek with flexibility based on business needs.
• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Regular standing, walking, and use of hands for tools and equipment.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring vision, communication, and physical mobility in an industrial setting.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, feedback‑driven environment.
• Self‑motivated with strong problem‑solving and leadership capabilities.
• Focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.