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Lead Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gateway Search Associates

Plant Engineer

Richmond, VA · 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 ...

Mintex Technology

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA · 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 ...

Roseburg Forest Products

Plant Engineer

Dillard, OR · On-site

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 ...

Roseburg

Plant Engineer

Dillard, OR · On-site

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 ...

Weir Group

Plant Engineer

Portland, OR

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 ...

Sotera Health

Plant Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

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 ...

The Weir Group PLC

Plant Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

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 ...

Weir

Plant Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

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 ...

Alamance Foods Inc

Plant Engineer

Graham, TX · On-site

Track project milestones, materials, lead times, vendor commitments, and installation schedules ... plant engineering preferred.Experience within food, beverage, packaging, or other regulated ...

PETOSKEY PLASTICS

Plant Engineer

Morristown, TN · On-site

The Plant Engineer serves as the second-in-command to the Plant Manager, with shared accountability ... Lead cross-functional alignment between Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering. * Ensure ...

Comar

Plant Engineer

Buena, NJ · On-site

As a Plant Engineer at Comar you will be a critical member of the team developing solutions ... Lead inter-department interaction with Operations, Engineering, and Vendors in the resolution of ...

ALAMANCE FOODS INC

Plant Engineer

Graham, NC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Track project milestones, materials, lead times, vendor commitments, and installation schedules ... plant engineering preferred. * Experience within food, beverage, packaging, or other regulated ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Plant Engineer

Maidsville, WV · 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 ...

System One

Plant Engineer

Maidsville, WV · 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 ...

Liberty Utilities

Plant Engineer

Riverton, KS · On-site

Lead or support safety training programs as directed. * Develop understanding of plant function and ... Engineering degree from an ABET accredited university preferred. Applicable technical and project ...

NEC LNG

Plant Engineer

Charlton, MA · On-site

Position Overview The Plant Engineer serves as a key operational and technical leader responsible ... Lead initiatives to improve equipment reliability, maintainability, and long-term asset performance ...

System One

Plant Engineer

Maidsville, WV · 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 ...

Evergy Missouri West, Inc.

Plant Engineer

Weston, MO · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Lead large capital projects and engineering studies as assigned to support plant goals. Managing projects in compliance with Evergy' ethics, safety, and engineering standards. Participate in the ...

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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 Sep 14, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead plant engineer?

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 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.

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Lead Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,886 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Plant Engineer

Richmond, VA • On-site

Gateway Search Associates
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Gateway Search Associatesexternal

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description


Join a world-leading global manufacturer known for engineering excellence, innovation, and safety. As a Plant Engineer, you'll play a key role in optimizing plant operations, driving performance improvements, and ensuring the safe, efficient production of high-quality products used worldwide.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an early-career engineer to gain deep technical expertise, grow within a Fortune 500-caliber manufacturing environment, and contribute directly to plant profitability and performance.
As a Plant Engineer, you will serve as a key technical resource for daily operations-applying your engineering knowledge to troubleshoot issues, improve process efficiency, and support production reliability. You'll partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to translate business objectives into actionable plans, driving measurable impact across safety, quality, and cost.
You'll take ownership of your area-learning the financial drivers of the plant, implementing continuous improvement strategies, and leading technical initiatives that enhance operational excellence and deliver strong EBITDA performance.
  • Serve as the primary technical support for your production unit-troubleshooting, problem-solving, and ensuring optimal plant performance.
  • Own key metrics and performance indicators to drive plant productivity, reliability, and cost efficiency.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Technical Advisors) to implement improvements and eliminate recurring issues.
  • Partner with Production Coordination and Supply Chain to optimize production scheduling and meet customer demand.
  • Translate business and financial plans into daily operating actions that maximize profitability.
  • Lead efforts in process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement to enhance safety, yield, and cost position.
  • Act as a technical leader during unplanned events-diagnosing root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Maintain a strong field presence, ensuring disciplined operation and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
  • Support compliance with all operating permits and site safety protocols.

    • Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or related discipline).
  • 2-3+ years of experience in manufacturing, plant operations, or a related technical environment.
  • Experience in high-hazard or process safety management environments preferred.
  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies a plus.

    • Benefits
  • Competitive Compensation:
  • 0-2 years: $80,000 - $100,000 base salary + premium benefits package
  • 2-5+ years: $100,000 - $140,000 base salary + premium benefits package.
  • Career Growth: Proven track record of developing engineers into technical and leadership roles across a global network.
  • Impactful Work: Directly influence plant performance, cost efficiency, and product quality.
  • Global Stability: Join an industry leader with a strong reputation for safety, innovation, and long-term career development.

    • Apply