Operations Engineer

POET • Sioux Falls, SD

5d • 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 improvement opportunities. This is an on-site role in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a balance of office and bioprocessing-facility work and up to 50% travel. Some physical labor at facilities and occasional overnight travel may be required. The position involves driving a POET vehicle, and a motor vehicle record check is conducted during pre-employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills, and 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.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with people 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 travel up to 50%, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to drive a POET vehicle; a motor vehicle record check is part of pre-employment.

Nice To Haves

• Chemical, Process, Agricultural and Biosystems, Mechanical Engineering, or another related engineering major.
• Additional training in Microbiology.
• Operations Engineer I: experience through internships, co-ops, and educational opportunities preferred.
• Operations Engineer II: 4 or more years of overall experience and 3 or more years of experience in a related industry.
• Operations Engineer III: 8 or more years of overall experience and 6 or more years of experience in a related industry.
• Senior Operations Engineer: 12 or more years of overall experience and 10 or more years of experience in a related industry.

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 data and communicate results effectively to leadership.
• Collaborate and provide leadership on cross-functional teams.
• Assist with facility start-ups and expansions, including shift coverage and training new team members.
• Travel to bioprocessing facilities for meetings, site visits, audits, operational support, and training.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to leadership.
• Promote safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Perform other duties as needed to support teamwork and operational goals.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans for individuals and families, with an employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• 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, 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 supporting mental, physical, and spiritual health.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.

What This Job Offers

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