Sr. Plant Engineer

Wm Bolthouse Farms Inc•Bakersfield, CA

1d•$110 - $130•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Plant Engineer is a key technical leader responsible for driving engineering excellence, improving plant performance, and leading capital projects across the facility. This role enhances manufacturing reliability, safety, and efficiency through strong problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and effective cross-functional collaboration. The Sr. Plant Engineer works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Leadership to strengthen equipment performance, identify improvement opportunities, and deliver engineering solutions that support long-term business growth. Responsibilities include full ownership of capital projects from concept through commissioning and ensuring smooth integration into daily operations. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership, and is motivated by improving systems and delivering high-impact results.

Requirements

Leadership: Ability to effectively lead, coach, and mentor teams.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Technical Expertise: Advanced understanding of engineering principles applicable to food, beverage, or industrial manufacturing.
Project Management: Demonstrated success leading and completing capital projects from concept through commissioning.
Continuous Improvement: Dedicated to the principles of continuous improvement.
Technical Drawing: Proficient in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent design software.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities in fast-paced environments.
BS Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Chemical, or Process Engineering.
5+ years of experience in food, beverage, CPG, or industrial manufacturing
5+ years of capital project experience (concept → commissioning)
Experience leading cross-functional teams and supervising contractors
Proven experience with reliability engineering, utilities, or manufacturing automation

Nice To Haves

Certification in Six Sigma or similar quality improvement methodologies.
Experience with energy management, utilities optimization, or controls/automation
Background in high-speed packaging or process systems

Responsibilities

Technological Assessment: Evaluate engineering technologies and process improvements to optimize operational performance.
Technical Integration: Apply engineering principles and manufacturing technologies to resolve technical challenges and support stable, efficient production.
Risk and Benefit Analysis: Conduct cost-benefit evaluations and risk assessments to recommend improvements aligned with operational and corporate priorities.
Capital Project Leadership & Execution: Lead and execute capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope definition, budgeting, design reviews, procurement, vendor and contractor coordination, installation oversight, and system startup/handoff. Manage large projects independently and support larger strategic initiatives. Ensure all projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with operational goals.
Plant Support: Provide daily technical support, troubleshoot equipment issues, and implement engineering solutions that improve uptime, capability, and efficiency.
Data Understanding and Analysis: Analyze production data to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities for process or equipment optimization.
Preventive Maintenance: Partner with Maintenance and Operations to enhance preventive and predictive maintenance practices that improve equipment reliability.
Root Cause Analysis: Lead structured root cause investigations to eliminate recurring failures and implement corrective actions.
Team Building&Support: Partner across departments, support structured problem-solving efforts, and mentor team members to strengthen technical capability