PLANT ENGINEER

Description

Job Overview

 The Plant Engineer will be responsible for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and compliance of all production systems and equipment. This role will play a critical part in collaborating with Continuous Improvement (CI), Maintenance, and Operations, driving continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting operational excellence, and streamlining workflows in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment. Support preparation and implementation of new equipment, as well as troubleshoot, repair, modify, and maintain the existing automation control hardware and software systems. 

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop processes to optimize productivity and workflow.
• Troubleshoot and maintain equipment control systems (PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, etc.)
• Support Maintenance and Operations with facility processes.
• Develop a solid understanding of production machinery and become the in-house expert on operation and troubleshooting.
• Train employees on the use of technical machinery. 
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure consistent equipment reliability and performance.
• Support, create, and participate in reviews with Maintenance & Ops to ensure proper implementation and effectiveness of controls and automation features, and benefits.
• Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time and uptime.
• Analyze, test, and evaluate new and existing processes, as well as perform PFMEAs,      RCAs, and ROI analysis.
• Manage projects, upgrades, and new installs.
• Maintain budget and costs.
• Investigate and troubleshoot any issues with processes or equipment.
• Contribute to the HSA and CI program.
• Work with R&D in test runs and trials. 
• Design and/or fabricate new tools, machines, and equipment.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and safety teams to maintain compliance with FDA, cGMP, HACCP, and other regulatory standards. 
• Follow cGMP guidelines and processes as established in department SOPs.
• All other duties as assigned and needed to manage engineering and continuous improvement initiatives. .

Requirements

• BS in Engineering or related field.
• 5  - 10 Years of experience in the food, nutrition, and/or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong knowledge of 5S Systems, cGMP, and FDA/NSF regulations and other regulatory compliance standards.
• Vastly skilled in industrial control systems.
• Experience and skill in configuring, programming, installing, testing, and troubleshooting automation control systems, preferred. 
• Experience with robot programming, desired.
• Proficiency with MS Office (especially Excel), AutoCAD, MP2, and CMMS software.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies preferred.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Lead and coordinate projects and tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced problem-solving, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
• Hands-on leadership with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to wear any required PPE such as scrubs, hair net, lab coat, and facemask.
• Ability to work in an area with moderate powder substances in the air with or without a respirator.
• Ability to work above the shoulders.
• Other physical requirements include moderate standing and occasional squatting, bending, twisting, and bi-lateral wrist movements.
• Ability to work around a variety of different smells and aromas.
• Ability to view a computer screen and type for extended hours.
• Ability  to adjust work schedule as business needs require.