Plant Engineer

Farmer Focus • Harrisonburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Maintenance & Engineering Project Engineer at Farmer Focus, you will lead critical projects that directly impact the efficiency and reliability of our poultry production facilities. Your work will drive improvements in equipment performance, preventive maintenance programs, and long-term engineering solutions. By overseeing key projects from conception to completion, you will ensure that our operations remain sustainable and efficient, aligning with our company’s mission of protecting the environment and producing high-quality products.
In this role, you will manage and execute engineering and maintenance projects, focusing on improving equipment uptime and operational effectiveness. You will develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for maintenance upgrades and new equipment installations, ensuring timely delivery while meeting safety and operational standards. Working cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and external vendors, you will oversee all phases of project implementation, including design, procurement, execution, and post-project evaluation. Your responsibilities will also include optimizing preventative and corrective maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and extend the life of critical assets. You will analyze equipment performance data, lead root cause analyses, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously, ensuring that all maintenance and capital improvements align with both production goals and sustainability standards.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in project management within a manufacturing or food production environment.
• Proven experience managing engineering and maintenance projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
• Strong understanding of preventative maintenance programs and reliability-centered maintenance.
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing plant equipment, including mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration systems.
• Proficiency in project management tools, CAD software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and contractors.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment, with exposure to temperature variations (28°F to 100°F) and operational noise.
• Capable of performing physical tasks such as standing for long periods, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces.
• Must comply with safety protocols and wear necessary protective equipment.
• A willingness to work within the framework of our Farmer Focus CARES values of Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or related field).

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute engineering and maintenance projects, focusing on improving equipment uptime and operational effectiveness.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for maintenance upgrades and new equipment installations, ensuring timely delivery while meeting safety and operational standards.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and external vendors, you will oversee all phases of project implementation, including design, procurement, execution, and post-project evaluation.
• Optimize preventative and corrective maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and extend the life of critical assets.
• Analyze equipment performance data, lead root cause analyses, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence.
• Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously, ensuring that all maintenance and capital improvements align with both production goals and sustainability standards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees