Plant Engineer

POET • Alexandria, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Engineer works closely with management at one or more bioprocessing facilities to maintain plant operations and implement continuous improvement and capital projects. The role focuses on increasing operational efficiency and plant run time, improving systems, troubleshooting process problems, and considering cost factors. This is an on-site position in Alexandria, Indiana, with a balance of office work and time at the bioprocessing facility, which may include physical labor. The engineer may support projects across multiple POET facilities and develops advanced knowledge of specific unit operations to serve as a process subject matter expert.

The work environment is dynamic and may involve dusty areas, indoor and outdoor work, extreme temperatures, heights, and confined spaces. Team members must use required personal protective equipment and may operate a range of industrial equipment and tools after receiving training. The role is safety-sensitive and requires passing a pre-employment physical and drug screen; random drug and alcohol testing may occur during employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering; other engineering degrees will be considered.
• Experience with DCS control and DCS historian systems.
• Ability to understand technical details and day-to-day operations of a bioprocessing facility.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills; ability to embrace change.
• Ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment, think objectively, and demonstrate self-awareness in uncertain situations.
• Ability to promote change and bring an innovative mindset.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including working at heights and in confined spaces, using PPE, and performing listed movement, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling tasks.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen; subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an operating processing plant environment, such as grain processing or chemical processing.
• Prior leadership and project management experience.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, present, and manage capital request projects and economic justifications for site and Sioux Falls leadership team members.
• Identify plant improvement opportunities and work with engineers to initiate and implement continuous improvement and cost-saving projects, potentially across multiple facilities.
• Analyze and present process data, create action plans, and identify optimization needs.
• Assist with facility shutdown planning and execution.
• Work with facility leadership and fellow engineers in the field and at the corporate office to review operational and troubleshooting challenges.
• Develop advanced knowledge of specific unit operations and serve as a subject matter expert for process expertise.
• Support facility Management of Change and Process Safety Management documentation.
• Assist with creating annual strategic plan initiatives for the site.
• Develop and use historical database reports.
• Write and coordinate procedures and communicate them to team members as needed.
• Facilitate communication between departments.
• Promote safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment and champion POET in the community.
• Help with other tasks as needed to support teamwork and getting the job done.

Benefits

• Competitive bonus opportunities, including quarterly profit sharing and Value Share bonuses, with up to six bonuses per year.
• Paid time off, including 40 hours available on Day 1 and an additional biweekly accrual program.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for individual and family plans, including an employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• Competitive pay and shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions or locations.
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• Family-first culture and support for work-life balance.
• Frequent team events and volunteer efforts.

What This Job Offers

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