Plant Engineer (East Coast)

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance

1. Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs for slaughter, fabrication, refrigeration, rendering, wastewater, and packaging systems.

2. Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation issues to minimize downtime.

3. Analyze equipment performance data and lead root-cause failure analysis.

4. Coordinate major repairs, shutdowns, and maintenance scheduling with production teams.

Plant Utilities & Infrastructure

1. Oversee operation and maintenance of boilers, ammonia refrigeration systems, compressed air, water, steam, and wastewater treatment systems.

2. Monitor utility consumption and implement energy-efficiency improvements.

3. Ensure reliability of critical infrastructure supporting food safety and production continuity.

Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement

1. Plan and execute capital projects, including equipment upgrades, line expansions, and facility improvements.

2. Prepare project scopes, budgets, timelines, and ROI analyses.

3. Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve throughput, yield, and operating costs.

Compliance & Safety

1. Ensure engineering and maintenance activities comply with USDA/FSIS regulations, OSHA standards, EPA requirements, and company food safety programs.

2. Support HACCP, sanitation, and audit readiness efforts.

3. Promote a strong safety culture and lead incident investigations related to equipment or facilities.

Team Collaboration

1. Work closely with production, quality, sanitation, and maintenance teams to support plant objectives.

2. Supervise contractors and vendors during maintenance and project activities.

3. Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance personnel.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• 5+ years of engineering experience in food processing, meat processing, or industrial manufacturing.

• Experience in a pork slaughter or meat-processing environment preferred.

• Hands-on experience with industrial maintenance, utilities, and capital project management.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical systems, PLCs/automation, and industrial controls.

• Familiarity with ammonia refrigeration systems and boiler operations is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in CMMS software and Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and technical manuals.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Ammonia refrigeration certification (e.g., RETA).

• OSHA 30-Hour certification.