Plant Technician

Job Summary

Plant Technician at POET is responsible for operating all plant processing equipment and performing routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. The position requires 12‑hour shift work (7:00AM–7:00PM and 7:00PM–7:00AM, rotating every six weeks) and is located on‑site in Shelbyville, IN.

• Competitive bonuses – up to six bonuses per year (quarterly profit‑sharing & value share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40hours of PTO available on Day1, plus a biweekly PTO accrual program
• Comprehensive benefits package; individual and family plans for health, dental, vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, attractive relocation assistance, and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold‑weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Use knowledge to maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document these activities.
• Operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.
• Safely perform 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 make adjustments to optimize plant operations; document results and enter them into the data collection system (PI).
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Help keep the plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all assigned tasks.
• Notify the management team of safety, environmental, quality and production concerns, problems and opportunities.
• Maintain a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Plant Technician I: experience in a production environment preferred.
• Plant Technician II: documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience required.
• Plant Technician III: documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Plant Technician III Skills Checklist.
• Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning required.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills are required.
• Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills; ability to embrace change.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to embrace and promote change; innovative mindset.
• Capacity to think objectively and self‑aware in the face of uncertainty.
• Team‑oriented work ethic.

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) – hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, harness.
• Work at extreme heights (≈150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures from –20°F to +100°F, both indoors and outdoors.
• Use forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front–end loaders, and computers (training provided).
• Frequent tasks: sit in control room while operating plant; walk indoors and outdoors…