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Lead Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R10094789 Plant Engineer (Open) Location: Kent, WA - S. 222nd St. - ASU How will you CONTRIBUTE and ... Lead the plant's Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and failure investigations to eliminate critical asset ...

Plant Engineer

Greenup, IL ยท On-site

$96K - $144K/hr

Plant Engineer The Plant Engineer is responsible for supporting safe, reliable, and efficient plant ... Lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and implement corrective actions for chronic equipment ...

NJ ยท On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Plant Engineer Work Location: Hudson County, NJ Payrate: $110,000 - $120,000/annum Duration ... Lead engineering and automation projects from concept through implementation, including scoping ...

Plant Engineer

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Plant Engineer, you'll play a key role in optimizing plant operations, driving performance ... Lead efforts in process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement to enhance safety ...

Plant Engineer

Greenup, IL ยท On-site

$96K - $144K/yr

Plant Engineer The Plant Engineer is responsible for supporting safe, reliable, and efficient plant ... Lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and implement corrective actions for chronic equipment ...

Plant Engineer

Augusta, WI ยท On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Plant Project Engineer Location: Augusta, WI Hire Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $115,000 - 130 ... Lead capital and non-capital engineering projects from justification and approval through ...

Lead, direct and supervise all engineering efforts for the entire plant site * Manage the installation of automation while ensuring safety, and validating the automated system for adherence to ...

Lead, direct and supervise all engineering efforts for the entire plant site * Manage the installation of automation while ensuring safety, and validating the automated system for adherence to ...

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA ยท On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The Assistant Plant Engineer will lead maintenance initiatives, support capital projects, and drive operational efficiency. * This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical expertise ...

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 ...

Plant Engineer Location - Portland, OR Work Arrangement - Onsite, Day Shift What we do at Weir We ... Lead engineering projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating closely with production ...

Plant Engineer Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Plant Engineer is a "hands on" position that supports local maintenance and operations and will lead small to medium growth and ...

Plant Engineer Location - Portland, OR Work Arrangement - Onsite, Day Shift What we do at Weir We ... Lead engineering projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating closely with production ...

Plant Engineer Location - Portland, OR Work Arrangement - Onsite, Day Shift What we do at Weir We ... Lead engineering projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating closely with production ...

Plant Engineer

Maidsville, WV ยท On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Plant Engineer Location: Morgantown, WV Type: Direct Hire Salary: $95,000 - $115,000 Work Model ... Participate in and lead root cause analysis investigations to identify equipment failures and ...

Lead initiatives to improve equipment reliability, maintainability, and long-term asset performance ... Work with plant leadership to improve coordination between engineering, maintenance, and operations

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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 Jul 12, 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
Infographic showing various Lead Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,886 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
Plant Engineer

Plant Engineer

Industrial Resource Group

Beaver Dam, KY โ€ข On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking a Plant Engineer to provide technical leadership and support operational excellence within a high-volume production facility. This role is responsible for improving equipment reliability, maximizing up time, supporting production objectives, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and maintenance functions. The Plant Engineer will partner closely with operations, maintenance, safety, quality, and leadership teams to solve complex technical challenges, optimize plant systems, and execute capital improvement projects. This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact on facility performance, operational efficiency, and long-term business success. Key Responsibilities Collaborate with plant leadership and corporate engineering teams to execute technical strategies that support safety, quality, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and financial objectives. Develop and implement engineering and maintenance initiatives that improve equipment performance, reliability, and overall plant effectiveness. Champion a culture of safety by integrating safe work practices into engineering, maintenance, and operational activities. Lead site-specific engineering projects from planning through execution to achieve performance and productivity goals. Develop capital improvement plans, prepare project justifications, and manage multi-year capital investment budgets. Ensure facility infrastructure and critical systems are maintained to support operational requirements, including: Electrical systems, Mechanical systems, Boilers and steam generation, Refrigeration systems Building infrastructure and utilities Manage technical and maintenance expenditures in alignment with approved budgets. Provide technical expertise related to regulatory compliance, facility standards, risk management, and insurance requirements. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency, cost reduction, and operational performance. Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams to support project execution and facility improvements. Job Requirements Bachelorโ€™s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience leading engineering, maintenance, or capital projects. Strong understanding of industrial equipment, facility systems, and manufacturing operations. Working knowledge of AutoCAD, including reviewing and updating equipment and facility drawings. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard business software. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Ability to travel periodically for vendor visits, training programs, project support, and business meetings. Preferred Experience within food processing, protein manufacturing, or other highly regulated production environments. Automation and controls experience. Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). Experience leading continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives. Knowledge of reliability-centered maintenance and equipment performance optimization methodologies. Additional Information Email: cpaisley irgsolution.com Subject: Plant Engineer- Beaver Dam, KY Meet Your Recruiter Craig Paisley