Senior Plant Engineer - Food Manufacturing / Manufacturing
Home Market FoodsAbout the role
The Plant Engineer plays a key role in driving technical excellence and continuous improvement in a fast-paced meat processing facility. This position focuses on supporting capital projects, equipment upgrades, and process enhancements, with a strong emphasis on mechanical engineering, plant infrastructure, and production systems. The Plant Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with process engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to deliver engineering solutions that improve efficiency, capacity, and food safety.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and support capital improvement projects from planning through execution, including scope development, cost estimation, scheduling, and implementation.
- Apply mechanical engineering expertise to evaluate, specify, and implement equipment for meat processing, handling, and packaging lines.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors for the installation and commissioning of new systems and facility modifications.
- Collaborate with Process Engineers on process optimization, throughput improvement, and layout changes.
- Interact regularly with the Maintenance Department to ensure that new equipment designs and installations align with reliability and serviceability goals.
- Support the development of plant infrastructure, including utilities, automation upgrades, and mechanical systems.
- Prepare and maintain detailed project documentation, including technical specifications, drawings, equipment lists, and project status reports.
- Ensure engineering work complies with USDA, FDA, and OSHA standards, as well as corporate safety and quality requirements.
- Assist with facility planning and expansion efforts, including workflow modeling and equipment capacity analysis.
- Contribute to strategic engineering initiatives to drive long-term operational improvements and innovation.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
- 7+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the food or meat industry.
- Strong mechanical engineering background, with working knowledge of food-grade design and sanitary equipment standards.
- Demonstrated experience in project planning, CAPEX budgeting, and execution of facility or equipment projects.
- Familiarity with production systems, process flow, and layout optimization.
- Proficient in engineering tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Project or equivalent software.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a cross-functional environment and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with food processing equipment and sanitary design standards.
- Exposure to Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Understanding of utility systems (e.g., ammonia refrigeration, steam, compressed air) is a plus.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance in USDA and FDA environments.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Work Environment:
- Regular presence on the production floor is required; must be comfortable working in cold, wet, and humid environments typical of a meat processing facility.
- Role may require occasional off-shift hours to support project work or commissioning activities.
- Must adhere to strict safety and hygiene protocols.
Exciting Benefits Await You!
- Enjoy top-tier Medical, Dental, Vision coverage.
- Pamper your furry friends with Pet Insurance.
- Stay fit with our Wellness Plan and Free Gym Access.
- Boost your skills with Employee Tuition Reimbursement.
- Unlock endless opportunities with College Scholarship for dependents.
- Reap the Rewards of Our Bonus Program Available to Our Salary and Hourly Employees.
- Receive a Generous 401k Company Match.
- Take advantage of Competitive Paid Time Off.
- Elevate Your Safety Net with Company-Sponsored Life Insurance Coverage.
- Receive Relocation Assistance for a Smooth Transition.
- Earn Rewards through our Employee Bonus Referral Program.
- Elevate Your Workplace Experience with Community Impact Opportunities.
- Celebrate Together with Employee Appreciation BBQs, Happy Hours, Birthdays, & More!
Opportunity Calls! Unsure if you meet all requirements? Don't hesitate, apply!
Our recruitment process is prompt and transparent. Your resume will receive swift attention from our talent p
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