Senior Plant Engineer - Food Manufacturing / Manufacturing

The Plant Engineer plays a key role in driving technical excellence and continuous improvement in a fast-paced meat processing facility. This position focuses on supporting capital projects, equipment upgrades, and process enhancements, with a strong emphasis on mechanical engineering, plant infrastructure, and production systems. The Plant Engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with process engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to deliver engineering solutions that improve efficiency, capacity, and food safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support capital improvement projects from planning through execution, including scope development, cost estimation, scheduling, and implementation.
• Apply mechanical engineering expertise to evaluate, specify, and implement equipment for meat processing, handling, and packaging lines.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors for the installation and commissioning of new systems and facility modifications.
• Collaborate with Process Engineers on process optimization, throughput improvement, and layout changes.
• Interact regularly with the Maintenance Department to ensure that new equipment designs and installations align with reliability and serviceability goals.
• Support the development of plant infrastructure, including utilities, automation upgrades, and mechanical systems.
• Prepare and maintain detailed project documentation, including technical specifications, drawings, equipment lists, and project status reports.
• Ensure engineering work complies with USDA, FDA, and OSHA standards, as well as corporate safety and quality requirements.
• Assist with facility planning and expansion efforts, including workflow modeling and equipment capacity analysis.
• Contribute to strategic engineering initiatives to drive long-term operational improvements and innovation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• 7 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the food or meat industry.
• Strong mechanical engineering background, with working knowledge of food-grade design and sanitary equipment standards.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, CAPEX budgeting, and execution of facility or equipment projects.
• Familiarity with production systems, process flow, and layout optimization.
• Proficient in engineering tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Project or equivalent software.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with food processing equipment and sanitary design standards.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of utility systems (e.g., ammonia refrigeration, steam, compressed air) is a plus.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in USDA and FDA environments.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Work Environment:

• Regular presence on the production floor is required; must be comfortable working in cold, wet, and humid environments typical of a meat processing facility.
• Role may require occasional off-shift hours to support project work or commissioning activities.
• Must adhere to strict safety and hygiene protocols.

Exciting Benefits Await You!

• Enjoy top-tier Medical, Dental, Vision coverage.
• Pamper your furry friends with Pet Insurance.
• Stay fit with our Wellness Plan and Free Gym Access.
• Boost your skills with Employee Tuition Reimbursement.
• Unlock endless opportunities with College Scholarship for dependents.
• Reap the Rewards of Our Bonus Program Available to Our Salary and Hourly Employees.
• Receive a Generous 401k Company Match.
• Take advantage of Competitive Paid Time Off.
• Elevate Your Safety Net with Company-Sponsored Life Insurance Coverage.
• Receive Relocation Assistance for a Smooth Transition.
• Earn Rewards through our Employee Bonus Referral Program.
• Elevate Your Workplace Experience with Community Impact Opportunities.
• Celebrate Together with Employee Appreciation BBQs, Happy Hours, Birthdays, & More!

 Opportunity Calls! Unsure if you meet all requirements? Don't hesitate, apply!

Our recruitment process is prompt and transparent. Your resume will receive swift attention from our talent professionals. If chosen, you'll undergo a recruiter phone screen, followed by interviews with key team members. We value your potential.

At Home Market Foods, we champion equal opportunities for all, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and more. Our commitment extends across all aspects of employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace.