Plant Engineer

POET • Chancellor, SD

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, implementing system improvements, troubleshooting process problems, and considering cost factors. This is an on-site role in Chancellor, South Dakota, with a balance of office time and time at the bioprocessing facility, which may include physical labor.

The Plant Engineer develops and manages capital projects and economic justifications, analyzes process data, helps plan and execute facility shutdowns, supports process safety and change-management documentation, and works with facility and corporate teams on operational challenges. The role also develops expertise in specific unit operations, coordinates procedures and communications, supports site strategic planning, and promotes safe behavior, environmental compliance, teamwork, and community engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering; other engineering degrees will be considered.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to understand technical details and the day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset and ability to think objectively.
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and work at extreme heights, in confined spaces, in extreme temperatures, and in dusty areas.
• Ability to perform the physical activities described in the posting, including walking on uneven or slick surfaces, carrying and lifting items, climbing, reaching, bending, and using tools and equipment.
• Must complete a physical and pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process; 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.
• Experience with DCS control and DCS historian systems.
• 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-savings projects across one or more facilities.
• Analyze process data, present findings, 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 address operational and troubleshooting challenges.
• Develop advanced knowledge of specific unit operations and serve as a subject matter expert in process expertise.
• Support Management of Change and Process Safety Management documentation for the facility.
• 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.
• Perform other tasks as needed to support teamwork and facility operations.

Benefits

• Competitive bonus opportunities, including quarterly profit sharing and Value Share, with up to six bonuses per year.
• Paid time off, including 40 hours available on Day 1 and biweekly PTO accrual.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans for individuals and families.
• Employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/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 work-life balance.
• Team events and volunteer efforts.

What This Job Offers

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