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Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Engineer Location: Medford, OR The Plant Engineer is responsible for engineering and project support for process and specialty gas operations, and plant and equipment maintenance. The Plant ...

NC · On-site

Plant Engineer Location: Research Triangle Park, NC The Plant Engineer is responsible for engineering and project support for process and specialty gas operations, and plant and equipment maintenance.

Plant Engineer Location: Research Triangle Park, NC The Plant Engineer is responsible for engineering and project support for process and specialty gas operations, and plant and equipment maintenance.

New

The Plant Engineer also ensures regulatory compliance, enforces a culture of safety, and provides leadership support across Operations and Maintenance functions. Your scope of responsibility as Plant ...

Plant Engineer

Linden, NJ · On-site

$150K - $190K/hr

The Plant Engineer also ensures regulatory compliance, enforces a culture of safety, and provides leadership support across Operations and Maintenance functions. Your scope of responsibility as Plant ...

The Plant Engineer also ensures regulatory compliance, enforces a culture of safety, and provides leadership support across Operations and Maintenance functions. Your scope of responsibility as Plant ...

Plant Engineer, Shaft Line LOCATION: Jupiter, FL. STATUS: Salary Exempt JOB SUMMARY The primary focus of the Plant Engineer will be to provide technical and commercial support to various functional ...

Plant Engineer ProAmpac's Menasha, WI Site is seeking an experienced Plant Engineer with a track record of success managing capital projects. Come make an impact with a growing organization that ...

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? * Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match * Generous PTO & holidays

Plant Engineer Reports To : Production Manager Salary Range : $135,000 - $145,000 Why join our team? * Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision & 401(k) match * Generous PTO & holidays

Plant Engineer, Shaft Line LOCATION: Jupiter, FL. STATUS: Salary Exempt JOB SUMMARY The primary focus of the Plant Engineer will be to provide technical and commercial support to various functional ...

The Plant Engineer will play a key role in supporting this upgrade. In addition to responsibilities at Faribault, the Plant Engineer will serve as the primary point of contact for the MRS site. This ...

Plant Engineer

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Plant Engineer The Pictsweet Company is growing! A 4th generation family owned company established in 1945, Pictsweet is a frozen vegetable producer with agricultural roots. We are hiring a Plant ...

Plant Engineer Location: Tavares, FL Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Position Overview: The Plant Engineer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the engineering and ...

The Plant Engineer will play a key role in supporting this upgrade. In addition to responsibilities at Faribault, the Plant Engineer will serve as the primary point of contact for the MRS site. This ...

Plant Engineer Location: Wilson, North Carolina Salary: $140-172K plus bonus Job Summary of the Plant Engineer: As the leader of the maintenance and engineering department in a fast-paced plant, you ...

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Plant Engineer information

See salary details

$41.5K

$99.9K

$143K

How much do plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineer in the United States is $99,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Plant Engineers Do?

As a production plant engineer, you work in a manufacturing facility to ensure that daily operations run smoothly, with a focus on the equipment and machinery. Your responsibilities include designing new systems or equipment, directing plant personnel in proper methods and procedures of these systems and equipment, and executing or overseeing preventive maintenance and repair. Additional job duties may involve planning and supervising engineering projects, designing manufacturing equipment layouts, and checking for safety and environmental compliance. The main qualification for a career in plant engineering is a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a sub-specialty of engineering, such as chemical, mechanical, nuclear, or electrical engineering. Professional certification, like the certified plant engineer (CPE) designation from the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) prove your skills, and employers may prefer these qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC systems, and compliance with industry standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) is typically expected. Strong communication, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with maintenance teams and other departments. These skills ensure efficient plant operations, reduced downtime, and the successful implementation of engineering solutions.

What are some common challenges a Plant Engineer faces during equipment upgrades or maintenance shutdowns?

Plant Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments to minimize production downtime, managing tight project schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations during equipment upgrades or maintenance shutdowns. Effective communication and planning are crucial, as these projects often require collaboration with outside contractors, vendors, and internal teams. Additionally, Plant Engineers must anticipate potential technical issues and ensure that all work is completed within budget and to specification.

What is a Plant Engineer?

A Plant Engineer is a professional responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing or industrial plants. They work to ensure that all plant systems, equipment, and processes run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Plant Engineers often handle troubleshooting, project management, and the implementation of new technologies to increase productivity. Their role may also involve supervising maintenance staff and coordinating with other departments to optimize plant performance.

What is the difference between Plant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPlant EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like PE or EIT often preferredBachelor's in mechanical engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsDesign firms, manufacturing, R&D labs, industrial settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, energy, and processing industriesUsed across various sectors including automotive, aerospace, and energy

While both roles require engineering knowledge, Plant Engineers focus on maintaining and improving plant operations, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on designing and developing mechanical systems. The roles overlap in credentials and industry settings, but their primary responsibilities differ.

What cities are hiring for Plant Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plant Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Plant Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Plant Engineer jobs? The top employers for Plant Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Plant Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,873 per year, or $48 per hour.
Plant Engineer

Plant Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Goodland, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Senior Plant Engineer
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Title: Senior Plant Engineer
Location: Goodland, Kansas
Salary: 120-130k

About the Opportunity:

Our client, a leading organization in the agricultural processing industry, is seeking a Senior Plant Engineer to support and optimize operations at a crush facility in Goodland, Kansas. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will focus on process improvement, capital project execution, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring strong engineering expertise, project management skills, and experience within oilseed crushing or similar processing environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify process improvement opportunities, develop solutions, and lead implementation efforts.
  • Conduct optimization assessments to improve energy efficiency, chemical usage, product yields, reliability, and overall plant performance.
  • Analyze existing processes and recommend cost-saving and performance-enhancing solutions.
  • Ensure safety and environmental considerations are incorporated into facility modifications and capital projects.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, controls, quality, and operations teams to develop and execute process improvements.
  • Manage and oversee assigned capital projects from concept through startup.
  • Support day-to-day plant operations, including tracking costs, yields, quality metrics, and process performance.
  • Troubleshoot and improve chemical and mechanical processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 3+ years of engineering experience in a food processing, agricultural processing, or similar manufacturing environment.
  • 3+ years of oilseed crush experience.
  • Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to anticipate operational challenges and develop effective solutions.