Operations Engineer

POET • Sioux Falls, SD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Engineer analyzes real-time bioprocessing facility data to identify opportunities to improve performance throughout POET’s fleet. The role designs and drives continuous improvement projects, provides exposure to all facets of bioprocessing facility operations, and develops subject-matter expertise in operational areas. The engineer collaborates with POET teams to troubleshoot, innovate, optimize, and identify improvements across facilities. This is an on-site position in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with up to 50% travel to bioprocessing facilities. The work balances office time with facility work, which may include physical labor. The role may involve supporting facility start-ups and expansions, including shift coverage and training new team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills, and the ability to embrace change.
• Ability to understand the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility in detail and provide leadership to teams when needed.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to drive a POET vehicle; a motor vehicle record check will be conducted during pre-employment.
• Operations Engineer II: at least 4 years of overall experience, including at least 3 years in a related industry.
• Operations Engineer III: at least 8 years of overall experience, including at least 6 years in a related industry.
• Senior Operations Engineer: at least 12 years of overall experience, including at least 10 years in a related industry.

Nice To Haves

• Chemical, Process, Agricultural and Biosystems, Mechanical Engineering, or another related major is preferred.
• For Operations Engineer I, experience through internships, co-ops, and educational opportunities is preferred.
• Additional training in Microbiology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot problems to ensure plant uptime and efficiency.
• Provide support and oversight to POET bioprocessing facility operations.
• Maximize plant efficiency through teamwork and innovation.
• Identify, develop, and manage implementation of new technologies at bioprocessing facilities.
• Analyze process information and communicate results effectively to leadership.
• Collaborate and provide leadership on cross-functional teams.
• Assist with bioprocessing facility start-ups and expansions, including shift coverage and new team member training.
• Travel to facilities for meetings, site visits and audits, operational support, and training.
• Develop and provide technical presentations to leadership.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including individual and family plans and an employer Health Savings Account contribution, for eligible team members.
• Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and bi-annual incentive bonuses.
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and paid holidays; 40 hours are 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, for eligible team members.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements, for eligible team members.
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements, for eligible team members.
• Discounted home and auto insurance, for eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level