Plant Technician

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Plant Technician is responsible for the operation of all plant processing equipment and performing routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. In the maintenance area, technicians maintain and repair plant equipment associated with bioprocessing processes, and may assist more technical maintenance procedures as needed. Knowledge of process flow, computerized equipment and hazard awareness is required. Continuous plant operation requires a 12‑hour shift schedule.

Days: 7am–7pm Nights: 7pm–7am (Rotation every 6 weeks).

• Operate and maintain all plant processes.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document activities.
• Operate the Distributed Control System (DCS).
• Conduct basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Follow procedures for plant start‑up, shut‑down, cleaning and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs.
• Collect and test quality control samples, interpret QA/QC results and adjust operations as necessary.
• Assist with removal, installation, rebuild and preventive/predictive maintenance of equipment.
• Ensure plant cleanliness and sanitation schedules are followed.
• Report safety, environmental, quality and production concerns to management.
• Promote a culture of safety, environmental compliance and teamwork.
• Support quality and food safety initiatives to maintain best‑in‑class standards.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem solving and mechanical reasoning skills required.
• Experience in a production environment preferred (Plant TechnicianI). Documented performance as Plant TechnicianI required for TechnicianII. Proficiency in skill checklist required for Technician III.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software systems (e.g., Maximo) preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management and communication skills.
• High level of personal integrity and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to embrace change, think objectively and work in a team environment.

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suits, hearing protection and harnesses.
• Work at heights up to 150ft, in confined spaces, and in temperatures ranging from –20°F to +100°F.
• Occasional handling of equipment and tools: forklift, power washer, pallet jack, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, front‑end loaders and other hand tools.
• Frequent tasks including standing, bending, reaching, carrying up to 15lb, lifting up to 50lb, and repetitive arm motions.
• Ability to use the plant control room while seated, and walk indoor and outdoor surfaces that may be uneven or wet.

• Competitive salary including shift premium pay.
• Bonus opportunities—up to six bonuses per year (quarterly profit sharing & value share).
• Paid time off: 40hours of PTO available on Day1, plus a biweekly accrual program.
• Comprehensive benefits package—health, dental and vision insurance, generous employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations.
• Safety and cold‑weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Wellness program encompassing mental, physical and spiritual health.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion and termination.