Plant Engineer

Purpose of Role

Rehrig Pacific Company’s Plant Engineers are an integral part of our operations and are responsible for identifying and driving solutions that improve our performance and operational costs. Plant Engineers are responsible for planning, design and implementation of equipment, machinery, and automation. They are expected to work collaboratively with other plant resources, and create safe, stable, and reliable manufacturing processes and systems through the analysis of data and the application of sound engineering practices. This individual should have a continuous improvement mindset and have knowledge of manufacturing best practices to be successful.

Areas of Accountabilities

Lead continuous improvement initiatives in the plant

• Analyze plant equipment and processes and develop action plans that improve plant performance.

• Identify operational gaps and provide insight and recommended actions to local management.

• Lead plant projects to decrease cost, improve safety, or improve equipment efficiency.

• Communicate with peers within Rehrig Pacific Company to solicit and share best practices.

• With cross functional team members, review and improve existing standards using PDCA methodology.

Improve plant safety

• Work with suppliers and Safety Team to perform risk assessments of new equipment and develop training documents.

• Apply OSHA and Rehrig Pacific safety requirements to all tasks and projects.

• Support local Safety Manager with work cell audits and improvements.

• Communicate with plant personnel to understand safety challenges and opportunities to improve.

• Utilize engineering principles to eliminate or reduce risks and hazards within the plant.

Advance local technology

• Drive labor reduction initiatives within the plant and develop solutions and technology to achieve.

• Perform research and development on cutting edge technologies to improve plant operations.

• Ensure all automation is working properly and to its full extent to maximize return on investment.

Manage projects on time and on budget

• Utilize sound project management practices and tools to plan project details, costs and resources.

• Manage suppliers / vendors to ensure alignment with project plans and budgets.

• Assemble and manage detailed project plans for all projects and drive accountability of defined deliverables.

• Develop work instructions and training material for new equipment before handing off to internal customers.

Drive growth and development

• Set and achieve annual developmental goals and pursues opportunities to advance skills and acumen.

• Solicit feedback from manager, peers, and stakeholders to understand development opportunities.

• Seek opportunities for advanced training and apply to work.

• Actively pursue growth and advancement using Rehrig Pacific’s Engineering Development Plan.

• Participates in local recruiting events for engineering resources (internships and full-time engineers).

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Plastics, Manufacturing or equivalent)

• Project management experience, including project management tools and software.

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma.

• Experience with coding and programming is a plus.

• Experience with hand and power tools.

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).

• Excellent problem-solving skills and familiarity with problem solving terms and tools.

• Highly proficient with MS Office tools

• Ability to leverage data to drive decisions and project focus.

• Ability and willingness to travel (estimated travel frequency < 10%)

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.