Plant Engineer

Wagstaff, Inc. is a family-owned American engineering and manufacturing leader in the global aluminum industry. For more than 80 years, the company’s success has been built on a foundation of innovation, service, integrity, and quality. Wagstaff proudly manufactures 100% of its products in the United States at its facilities in Spokane, Washington, and Hebron, Kentucky.

Salary Range: $72,734 to $98,404

Job Summary

The Plant Engineer provides engineering and technical support for manufacturing operations, facility infrastructure, and capital improvement projects. This role is responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing solutions, supporting equipment design and selection, managing engineering projects, and improving production efficiency, quality, and cost performance. The ideal candidate will collaborate across departments to support plant operations, execute capital projects, and identify innovative manufacturing technologies that enhance operational effectiveness and maintain a competitive advantage.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides engineering and technical support for the operation of the manufacturing facility including plant engineering, project management and engineering documentation
• Develops layout designs and assists in the selection and procurement of plant equipment and machine tools to meet production needs and/or achieve cost reduction
• Develops, installs and maintains cost-effective methods of manufacturing and establishes fair and equitable manufacturing operating standards.
• Keeps abreast of the trend of technology; investigates and installs most effective methods of manufacturing to keep company at competitive edge at all times.
• Executes capital projects managing schedule, scope and costs.
• Manages project finances, with a strong control of scope, schedule deviation
• Reports on capital projects to management and senior management regarding current activities and forecast
• Provides engineering support for facilities systems and retrofit/upgrading of existing equipment
• Periodic domestic and international travel required depending upon customer and company business need

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and industrial equipment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, equipment selection, and process improvement techniques.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in CAD software, including Solid Works and AutoCAD.
• Basic understanding of project management principles, including scope, schedule, and budget management.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and within a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with employees, suppliers, contractors, and management.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in CNC machining or metalworking manufacturing environments.
• Experience with equipment installation, facility upgrades, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Familiarity with capital expenditure project management.
• Experience using Solid Works and/or AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence principles.
• Experience managing vendor and contractor relationships.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Project leadership and coordination.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to identify and implement innovative manufacturing technologies.
• Financial awareness related to project budgets, forecasting, and cost management.
• Adaptability and willingness to support changing business priorities.
• Ability to effectively present project status, risks, and recommendations to management.

Working Environment:

While performing the duties of this job on Wagstaff premises, work is performed primarily in an adequately lit, well ventilated, climate controlled general office environment. Close computer work is regularly required. The work usually involves minimal physical exertion. The noise level in the general office environment is usually moderate.

This job may require occasional or more frequent interaction with employees on the manufacturing shop floor. While on the shop floor, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risks of moving equipment and parts, and other risks associated with a manufacturing environment. Because of this environment and associated risks, coordination with shop floor managers/employees may be necessary before entering the shop floor, and use of job…