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Lead Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winland Foods, Inc.

Lead Plant Engineer

Buckner, KY · On-site

The Lead Plant Engineer is responsible for leading engineering, capital, and operational improvement projects while supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant facilities ...

Winlandfoods

Lead Plant Engineer

Buckner, KY · On-site

The Lead Plant Engineer is responsible for leading engineering, capital, and operational improvement projects while supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant facilities ...

Valley Children's Healthcare

Plant Engineer

Madera, CA · On-site

$35.85 - $53.35/hr

The Lead Plant Engineer provides technical leadership, coordination, and oversight for the Plant Engineering and Utility Engineer teams in support of hospital operations, offsite facilities, and ...

Valley Children's Healthcare

Plant Engineer

Madera, CA · On-site

$35.85 - $53.35/hr

The Lead Plant Engineer provides technical leadership, coordination, and oversight for the Plant Engineering and Utility Engineer teams in support of hospital operations, off-site facilities, and ...

Staffingine LLC

Plant Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

Plant Engineer Job Location: West Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time * Ensure the safety of all ... Lead plant compliance of all federal, state and local environmental and safety regulations.

NAES Corporation

Plant Engineer

Linden, NJ

$150K - $190K/hr

Plant Engineering, Operations & Maintenance ... Lead the monitoring and documentation of forced outages and generation losses, conducting thorough ...

NAES

Plant Engineer

Linden, NJ · On-site

Plant Engineering, Operations & Maintenance ... Lead the monitoring and documentation of forced outages and generation losses, conducting thorough ...

Evonik

Plant Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

The Plant Engineer is responsible for defining, organizing, planning, and executing all small ... Lead small capital and technical change projects from concept through design, construction ...

Gehl Food & Beverage

Plant Engineer

Lathrop, CA

$135K - $145K/yr

Plant Engineer Reports To : Production Manager Salary Range : $135,000 - $145,000 Why join our team ... Lead reliability and improvement initiatives for utility systems including boilers, HVAC, ...

California Natural Products

Plant Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Plant Engineer Reports To : Production Manager Salary Range : $135,000 - $145,000 Why join our team ... Lead reliability and improvement initiatives for utility systems including boilers, HVAC, ...

Brightpath Associates LLC

Plant Engineer

Warren, PA

You'll be responsible for: ✅ Lead engineering projects from concept through completion ✅ Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities for plant equipment and infrastructure ✅ ...

Evonik Industries

Plant Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

The Plant Engineer is responsible for defining, organizing, planning, and executing all small ... Lead small capital and technical change projects from concept through design, construction ...

Provide

Plant Engineer

Tavares, FL · On-site

Key Responsibilities: - Develop, implement, and manage engineering and maintenance strategies to maximize operational efficiency and reliability of plant equipment. - Lead troubleshooting and problem ...

Comar Engineering Services

Plant Engineer

Buena, NJ · On-site

PLANT ENGINEER At Comar, we're passionate about progress and finding opportunity in new ideas. In ... Lead inter-department interaction with Operations, Engineering, and Vendors in the resolution of ...

HiFyve

Plant Engineering Director

Wichita, KS

$160K - $175K/yr

Full benefits package Relocation Assistance available About the Role Lead plant engineering and reliability efforts to improve uptime, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement across ...

American Staffing, LLC

Plant Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will lead a team of skilled technicians and operators ... Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical) or a related technical field - 5+ years of ...

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Lead Plant Engineer information

See salary details

$47K

$106.9K

$166K

How much do lead plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead plant engineer in the United States is $106,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Plant Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree, often paired with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Mastery of CAD software, plant management systems, and familiarity with industry standards like OSHA or ISO certifications are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you manage teams and coordinate complex projects. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of plant facilities while driving continuous improvement.

What does a Lead Plant Engineer do?

A Lead Plant Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, operation, and maintenance of engineering systems within a manufacturing or industrial plant. They lead teams of engineers and technicians, manage projects to improve plant efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Additionally, they troubleshoot equipment issues, implement process improvements, and coordinate with other departments to support production goals. Their role is critical in optimizing plant performance and minimizing downtime.

What are some common challenges Lead Plant Engineers face when managing cross-functional projects?

Lead Plant Engineers often encounter challenges coordinating between different departments, such as maintenance, operations, and safety teams, especially when priorities conflict or resources are limited. Effective communication and strong project management skills are crucial for aligning team objectives, managing timelines, and ensuring that all regulatory and safety standards are met. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology and process improvements can require continuous learning and flexibility. Building strong relationships with both internal teams and external vendors is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Lead Plant Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectLead Plant EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with PE licenseBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentPlant operations, overseeing engineering projectsDesign, optimization, and process development in manufacturing or chemical plants
Industry UsageHeavy industry, manufacturing, chemical plantsManufacturing, chemical, oil & gas industries

The Lead Plant Engineer typically oversees plant operations and manages engineering projects on-site, requiring leadership and operational expertise. In contrast, the Process Engineer focuses on designing and optimizing processes within the plant, often working in a more analytical and development role. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to plant efficiency, but their focus and responsibilities differ.

More about Lead Plant Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Plant Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Plant Engineer jobs are:
Lead Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,886 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Lead Plant Engineer

Winland Foods, Inc.

Buckner, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Winland Foods rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 385 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The Lead Plant Engineer is responsible for leading engineering, capital, and operational improvement projects while supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. This role provides technical leadership and supervision of engineering and technical staff, manages project scope, schedules, budgets, and resources, and partners with operations and maintenance teams to drive reliability, asset management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Lead Plant Engineer oversees engineering design, equipment selection, facility upgrades, and construction activities, while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements and supporting long-term plant performance and operational excellence.
Employee Type:
Full time
Location:
KY Buckner
Job Type:
Engineering Project Engineering
Job Posting Title:
Lead Plant Engineer
Job Description:
Schedule: 1st shift Monday-Friday, with flexibility as needed to meet plant needs including weekend hours
Work Location: 1 Quality Place, Buckner, KY 40010
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.
Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $73k -$124k annually with additional bonus potential
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Lead and manage capital and operational projects from planning through design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
  • Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision of junior staff, including engineers and technical personnel; support workload planning, mentoring, and performance development.
  • Oversee aspects of plant operations as directed, to include but not limited to facility and wastewater facility performance, ensuring systems, equipment, and infrastructure operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Coordinate with operations and maintenance teams to support preventative maintenance programs, facility upgrades, and reliability initiatives.
  • Lead business development efforts, including preparation of proposals, technical approaches, cost estimates, and client presentations.
  • Prepare and review technical memoranda, engineering assessments, and design reports for water and wastewater treatment facilities.
  • Perform and oversee engineering design calculations, process evaluations, and technical analyses.
  • Direct equipment sizing, selection, and specification development, ensuring compatibility with operational and facility requirements.
  • Develop and review construction documents (plans, specifications, and contract documents) and provide support during bidding, construction management, and commissioning phases.
  • Conduct fieldwork and site visits to assess existing conditions, monitor project progress, and support facility and operational improvements (travel may be required).
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure successful project execution and long-term facility performance.
  • Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement across project and operational activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience and Education
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and staff, including mentoring and performance oversight.
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering complex engineering and plant-related projects.
  • Solid project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource coordination.
  • Experience in the water/wastewater industry, including exposure to plant operations and facility systems.
  • Working knowledge of facility systems, asset management practices, and maintenance coordination within a plant environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage staff, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Self-starter with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial, or Biosystems Engineering.
  • Experience supporting or coordinating plant operations, maintenance programs, or facility improvements.
  • Familiarity with asset management systems and capital planning processes.
  • Experience with continuous improvement, process optimization, or operational efficiency initiatives.

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Must be able to perform the following: standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning and stooping.
  • Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Good physical condition with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently.
  • Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.

Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements:
  • Must wear all required personal protection equipment associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel.
  • Maintain clean and safe working environment and follow all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.
  • Inform Management of any food safety or quality issues or of any processes which become noncompliant with specified requirements.

EEO Statement:
Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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