Secondary Assistant Plant Engineer

Secondary Assistant Plant Engineer

• Ensure reliability of plant equipment and establish and meet downtime and operational goals per shift for the fabrication and slaughter areas as well as for outlying areas such as warehousing, wastewater treatment, etc.
• Manage training programs to maintain the skill level of the hourly and salaried workforce.
• Motivate interest in, and ensure compliance with, stringent plant safety programs while maintaining high levels of labor efficiency and effectiveness in responding to breakdowns and plant interruptions.
• Maintain close communications with operations and other plant departments and develop an appreciation for overall plant performance issues in all employees within the department.
• Assist the Plant Engineer in assuring continuous plant improvement.
• Ensure reliable and cost-effective operation of utility systems that are online continuously. This includes ammonia refrigeration, air compression, electrical distribution, and others.
• Develop and maintain contractors and vendors to supplement plant resources. Represent the corporation in dealing with these outside firms.
• Develop and grow a trusting relationship with the USDA to ensure that their requirements are being met.
• Coordinate and oversee: scale checks to ensure plant pay scales are within weight calibration specifications, preventative maintenance on scales, trolley readers, printers and alarms to ensure they are in working order and problems are caught before they cause downtime, reactive maintenance on automated systems and instrumentation (basic troubleshooting, changing parts, follow‑up to ensure problem is resolved & basic modifications to equipment to improve performance).
• Assign equipment‑specific job assignments that support plant goals and overall success.
• Provide expertise in the areas of automation, electrical, and instrumentation for all projects based on current best practices using approved components and standards.
• Fundamental understanding of National Electric Code, NFPA 70, and NFPA 70E and their application.
• Fundamental understanding of industrial electrical systems from 24 VDC to 4160 VAC.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics including one‑line drawings.
• Understanding of process instrumentation ranging from pressure, temperature, level, flow, pH, conductivity, vibration, etc.
• Other duties assigned.

• Minimum 10 years of progressively more responsible positions within industrial maintenance field and minimum five (5) years within a food processing industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive background in ammonia refrigeration, air compressor technology, variable frequency motor controls, maintenance of sanitary conditions. Job responsibilities typically require extended hours.
• PSM experience preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective people skills.
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with basic office software (Word and Excel).
• Supervisory skills – maintenance management through whom both direct and indirect people report, project administrative assistant and planners.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or five (5) additional years of applicable experience.
• Resume required.

As a salaried position with the company, you may be required to travel at some point to other facilities, attend company events, or serve as a representative of the company in other situations. Unless otherwise specified in this posting, the amount of travel may vary, and the most qualified candidate must be willing and able to travel as business needs dictate.

Can perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Base annual salary range: 87 k‑100 k
• Incentive pay: eligible to participate in the company’s annual bonus plan; amount varies and is subject to standard terms and conditions.
• Benefits:
  Vision, medical, and dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company‑observed holidays.
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows company vesting schedule.
• Career development opportunities through continuous learning and development programs.
• Minnesota Sick and Safe Time and Minnesota Paid Leave.

EOE, including Vets and Disability.