Plant Associate Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

This role coordinates and maintains critical engineering documentation for a plant environment, including drawings, specifications, standards, and process safety information. The drafter updates and manages plant and equipment drawings, supports capital projects, and ensures accurate document control across the Engineering, Maintenance, and Production departments. The position combines AutoCAD drafting with hands-on interaction in the plant to verify that drawings and records accurately reflect current conditions, while contributing to continuous improvement in engineering procedures and systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the update of existing plant drawings, specifications, and standards to ensure they accurately reflect current installations and practices.
• Coordinate the update of existing equipment files, drawings, and specifications to maintain accurate and complete engineering records.
• Coordinate the update of existing process safety information (PSI) for the Engineering Department, ensuring information remains current and compliant.
• Assist with changes to plant drawings and PSI through established Management of Change procedures.
• Coordinate document control for Engineering Department specifications and standards, maintaining version control and proper filing.
• Coordinate document control for piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), ensuring updates are captured and distributed appropriately.
• Assist with data gathering and research for the Engineering, Maintenance, and Production departments and for approved contractors.
• Assist with data gathering and preparation of drawings to support capital projects.
• Coordinate assigned capital projects as directed by supervisory leadership, following projects through to completion.
• Ensure efficient production methods, flow of work, and use of space through accurate drafting and documentation.
• Follow projects to completion to ensure that all document control responsibilities are fully completed and properly archived.
• Expedite assigned document control segments of projects when necessary to avoid costly delays.
• Ensure the maintenance of various engineering records and documentation in an organized and accessible manner.
• Prepare reports on the status of engineering records and documentation as required.
• Recommend the use and upgrades of software and equipment to improve drafting and document control effectiveness.
• Investigate the feasibility of new equipment and techniques for drafting activities and make recommendations based on findings.
• Participate in the development of new or improved department procedures related to drafting and document control.
• Assist with document control of equipment designs to help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations issued by OSHA, EPA, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Participate in setting goals and objectives for the department and support efforts to achieve them.
• Interface with engineers, leadership, and other stakeholders in group meetings as required to discuss project status and requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all departments to support collaborative project execution.
• Provide continuous and effective communication to all appropriate departments concerning engineering drafting project status and updates.
• Assist with maintaining preventive and predictive maintenance information systems by assigning equipment numbers and updating the equipment database.
• Assist team members with spare parts lists for stockroom inventory by assigning and communicating equipment numbers.
• Maintain prompt, regular, and dependable attendance to support project schedules and departmental needs.
• Perform additional assignments as deemed necessary by management to support departmental and organizational objectives.

• Associate of Applied Science degree in Design Drafting Technology or equivalent training in Drafting or Computer-Aided Design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD design drafting software, including creation and modification of detailed technical drawings.
• Familiarity with industry drawing standards and conventions.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in drafting or computer-aided design, preferably in an industrial or plant environment.
• Experience with P&IDs (piping and instrumentation diagrams) and related documentation.
• Experience with document control and document control management processes.
• Ability to work effectively in an intensive team environment and collaborate across departments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with engineers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in drawings, records, and documentation.
• Ability to contribute as a team member and, when needed, take a leadership role on assigned tasks.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and perform physical activities such as bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, twisting, and climbing stairs and ladders in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work an 8-hour shift and overtime as needed to meet project and departmental demands.

• Experience supporting capital projects through drafting, data gathering, and documentation.
• Familiarity with Management of Change processes in an industrial or plant setting.
• Experience with organization change management as it relates to document and drawing updates.
• Ability to recommend and adapt to new drafting software, tools, and techniques.
• Strong people skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues across Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and other departments.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to participate in the development and improvement of departmental procedures and standards.
• Eligibility to move into the role after being in a current position for a minimum of six months, where applicable.
• Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and quality in all drafting and documentation activities.
• Interest in long-term professional growth supported by competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), paid vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and bonus eligibility.

The role combines office-based drafting with active time in the plant. You will spend part of your day at a desk working in AutoCAD to update plant and equipment drawings, specifications, standards, and P&IDs, and part of your day walking the production floor to verify that drawings and documentation match actual field conditions. The environment is hands-on and collaborative, with frequent interaction with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and other departments. The position requires the ability to climb stairs and ladders, work in both indoor and outdoor areas of the plant, and perform moderate physical activities such as bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, and twisting. Standard work consists of an 8-hour shift, with overtime as needed to meet project deadlines. The organization emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and quality, and offers a team-oriented culture with opportunities for long-term growth, supported by comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, a retirement plan, and bonus eligibility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Decatur, AL.

The pay range for this position is $26.44 - $32.21/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Decatur,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.