Machinery Engineer

POET•Sioux Falls, SD

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Machinery Engineer provides technical leadership for the 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. As part of POET’s Maintenance and Reliability team, the Machinery Engineer collaborates with site teams, Engineering, Procurement, and external partners to establish technical standards, implement reliability improvements, and support enterprise-wide initiatives that improve equipment performance and operational consistency. The position may be based at POET’s headquarters in Sioux Falls or remotely within the POET footprint, and involves up to 50% travel to facilities and meetings. Work is split between an office and bioprocessing facilities, where some physical labor may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or an equivalent combination of technical education and substantial rotating equipment experience.
At least 5 years of relevant industrial machinery experience.
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.
High personal integrity and commitment to consistency, accuracy, and quality.
Interpersonal skills to coach, influence, and collaborate with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and external partners.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for complex technical challenges.
Data-driven decision-making that balances technical risk, cost, and operational impact.
Self-directed, systems-oriented approach to identifying opportunities, driving improvements, and developing scalable solutions.
Ownership mentality and ability to prioritize high-impact machinery work and independently drive reliability improvements.
Ability to travel up to 50%, including occasional overnight travel.
Ability to drive a POET vehicle; a motor vehicle record check is 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.
Provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex or chronic equipment failures.
Lead root cause failure analyses 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 improvement opportunities.
Define asset criticality and machinery-specific maintenance approaches.
Provide technical leadership for equipment selection, technical specifications, design reviews, commissioning, startup, preventative and predictive maintenance optimization, and refurbishment-versus-replacement decisions.
Guide critical machinery spares, repairable assemblies, interchangeability, and stocking strategies in collaboration with Maintenance and Inventory teams.
Identify and qualify OEMs and third-party service providers.
Develop and deploy training for technicians across the fleet.
Collaborate with site teams, Engineering, Procurement, and external partners on technical standards, reliability improvements, and enterprise initiatives.
Travel to bioprocessing facilities and meetings, and drive a POET vehicle as required.

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 wellbeing.
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
Discounted home and auto insurance.