Shredder Engineer

simsmetalm•Petersburg, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Shredder Engineer applies mechanical and industrial engineering principles to design, analyze, optimize, and improve shredder systems and supporting equipment. The primary purpose of the role is to maximize equipment performance, system reliability, safety, throughput, and operating efficiency through engineering analysis, process optimization, asset lifecycle management, reliability improvement initiatives, and capital project execution. This role serves as the technical expert supporting shredder operations and maintenance activities while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

7–10+ years of progressive experience in shredding, scrap metal processing, aggregates, mining, or heavy industrial operations
Minimum 3–5 years in a plant manager or senior operations leadership role
Minimum 3–5 years leading shredder, recycling, or heavy industrial operations and maintenance functions.
Proven experience managing large industrial equipment (shredders, material handlers, conveyors, separation systems)
Strong background in safety leadership and regulatory compliance
Experience managing P&L, budgets, and capital expenditures
Demonstrated success leading operational improvements and cross-functional teams
Strong operational and mechanical aptitude
Experience optimizing shredder performance through reliability, maintenance, and process improvement initiatives.
Financial acumen with ability to analyze operating metrics and costs
Leadership and people-development skills
Root cause analysis and continuous improvement methodologies
Strong planning, prioritization, and execution capabilities
Effective communication across all organizational levels
Proficient in CMMS systems and operational reporting tools

Responsibilities

Lead all department operations including shredding, maintenance, plant coordination, and logistics
Own plant safety performance; ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA (where applicable), EPA, and company safety standards
Drive operational efficiency through proactive maintenance planning, equipment reliability, and process optimization
Manage plant budgets, operating costs, and capital projects; ensure financial targets are met or exceeded
Lead, develop, and train personnel including supervisors
Ensure environmental compliance, including stormwater, air permits, residue disposal, and spill prevention
Oversee vendor relationships, contract services, and equipment suppliers
Partner with Commercial, Purchasing, and Logistics teams to align production with inbound and outbound material flows
Implement and sustain continuous improvement, lean initiatives, and root cause problem-solving
Study shredder operations to maximize throughput, equipment utilization, and operating efficiency.
Analyze throughput, power consumption, feed mix, and equipment constraints to identify optimization opportunities.
Conduct bottleneck analysis and recommend engineering solutions to improve productivity.
Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
Serve as site leader during audits, inspections, and incident investigations