Machinery Engineer

POET•Sioux Falls, SD

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Machinery Engineer provides technical leadership in reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of critical rotating equipment across POET’s bioprocessing facilities. As a subject matter expert for compressors, centrifuges, turbines, and other critical machinery, the role addresses complex equipment problems, eliminates repeat failures, improves maintenance strategies, and identifies opportunities to reduce lifecycle costs. The engineer works with site teams, Engineering, Procurement, and external partners to establish technical standards, implement reliability improvements, and support initiatives that improve equipment performance and operational consistency across the organization. The position offers potential flexibility to relocate to POET’s headquarters in Sioux Falls or work remotely within the POET footprint. It involves up to 50% travel to bioprocessing facilities and meetings, sometimes overnight. The role balances office and facility work and may include physical labor alongside team members. The employee will be asked to drive a POET vehicle, and a motor vehicle record check is conducted during pre-employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of technical education and substantial rotating equipment experience.
Minimum 5 years of relevant industrial machinery experience.
Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas such as reciprocating compressors, screw compressors, or centrifuges.
Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis experience.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail, and work independently.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to travel up to 50%, including occasional overnight travel.
Ability to drive a POET vehicle; a motor vehicle record check will be conducted during pre-employment.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of relevant industrial machinery experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical subject matter expert for critical rotating equipment, especially reciprocating and screw compressors, centrifuges, turbines, and other high-impact machinery systems.
Provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex or chronic equipment failures.
Lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) for major or recurring equipment issues.
Establish and maintain engineering and maintenance standards and procedures for rotating equipment.
Analyze machinery performance, failure trends, and maintenance costs to identify and prioritize reliability improvements.
Define asset criticality and maintenance approaches for machinery systems.
Provide technical leadership for rotating equipment lifecycle strategies, including equipment selection, technical specifications, design reviews, commissioning and startup, preventative and predictive maintenance optimization, and refurbishment-versus-replacement decisions.
Provide technical guidance on critical machinery spares, repairable assemblies, interchangeability, and stocking strategies with Maintenance and Inventory teams.
Identify and qualify OEMs and third-party service providers.
Develop and deploy training for technicians across the fleet.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for individuals and families, including an employer Health Savings Account contribution.
Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and biannual incentive bonuses.
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
401(k) with company match.
Paid time off and paid holidays, with 40 hours available on day one.
Paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations.
Wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
Discounted home and auto insurance.