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Plant Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Plant Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

The Plant Engineer is responsible for supporting safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through a combination of Manufacturing Engineering support and Maintenance group leadership. This role ...

The purpose of plant engineer position is to ensure proper installation and maintenance of plant equipment and facilities to provide a safe, efficient and cost-effective operation. This position will ...

Overview (Scope of Role) The Run Plant Engineer will be a technical resource to assist operations teams in the daily plant operations. Key areas of emphasis are environmental health, and safety (EH&S ...

Overview (Scope of Role) The Run Plant Engineer will be a technical resource to assist operations teams in the daily plant operations. Key areas of emphasis are environmental health, and safety (EH&S ...

Overview (Scope of Role) The Run Plant Engineer will be a technical resource to assist operations teams in the daily plant operations. Key areas of emphasis are environmental health, and safety (EH&S ...

Also maintain and repair equipment including, but not limited to, mechanical, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, plant maintenance, and medical gas systems. Driving as needed for company business.

Overview (Scope of Role) The Run Plant Engineer will be a technical resource to assist operations teams in the daily plant operations. Key areas of emphasis are environmental health, and safety (EH&S ...

Overview (Scope of Role) The Run Plant Engineer will be a technical resource to assist operations teams in the daily plant operations. Key areas of emphasis are environmental health, and safety (EH&S ...

Also maintain and repair equipment including, but not limited to, mechanical, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, plant maintenance, and medical gas systems. Driving as needed for company business. Education ...

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Plant Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$36.2K

$87K

$124.6K

How much do plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineer in Michigan is $87,049.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does a plant engineer 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 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.

How much do plant engineers make in the US?

Plant engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can vary based on certifications, technical skills, and the size of the facility they work in.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plant Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Plant Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,049 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Plant Engineer

Evapco

Detroit, MI • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


EVAPCO rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The Plant Engineer is responsible for supporting safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through a combination of Manufacturing Engineering support and Maintenance group leadership. This role focuses on maximizing equipment uptime, improving manufacturing processes, and providing technical guidance to the Maintenance and production teams. The Plant Engineer serves as a key link between Engineering, Maintenance, and operations to ensure continuous improvement, equipment reliability, and compliance with safety and quality standards. Maintenance supervision and, by extension, the Maintenance technicians report to the Plant Engineer.

Major Areas of Responsibility
  • Serve internal customers (Production and Maintenance teams) to ensure equipment and processes perform safely and efficiently.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to Maintenance personnel and outside contractors.
  • Support preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
  • Assist in Maintenance planning, prioritization, and coordination to support production schedules.
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and implement corrective actions for chronic equipment issues.
  • Work in tandem with the Facilities Manager to balance appropriate resource allocation between the grounds and the equipment.
  • Identify, develop, and implement continuous improvement projects related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
  • Support new equipment installations, process changes, and capital project launches both technically and procedurally.
  • Champion the Maintenance team’s usage of the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software.
  • Develop and maintain documentation including SOPs, work instructions, preventive maintenance standards, and equipment specifications.
  • Collaborate with Production, Quality, Safety, and Purchasing teams to resolve issues and support plant objectives.
  • Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and engineering standards.
  • Participate in 5S, lean manufacturing, and other structured improvement initiatives.
  • Document completed work and project updates using applicable systems and reports.
  • Maintain a positive, professional, and safety-focused presence on the shop floor.
  • Balance short-term Production and Maintenance needs with long-term reliability and improvement efforts.
  • Effectively respond to unplanned equipment failures and production disruptions.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with hourly employees, supervision, and management.
  • Stay current on manufacturing technology and Engineering best practices.
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering strongly preferred.
  • 3 to 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment in a leadership role strongly preferred.
  • 3 to 5 years’ experience supporting or leading capital projects and equipment installations strongly preferred.
  • Working knowledge of industrial equipment, maintenance practices, and manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to read and understand drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and bills of material.
  • Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office with the ability to learn plant-specific software systems.
  • Ability to mentor, train, and work effectively with Maintenance and Production personnel.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
  • Aptitude with 2D and 3D software, preferably AutoCAD and/or Solid Edge.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Primarily office-based with a strong plant floor presence.
  • Exposure to temperature extremes typical of a manufacturing environment.
  • Requires walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and occasional lifting of equipment or tools.
  • Must be able to safely navigate production areas and interact with operating equipment.
  • Standard salaried work schedule with additional hours as required to support plant operations.
  • Domestic and International travel required intermittently.
Compensation and Benefits
  • The salary range consists of base pay and most recent profit sharing bonus amounts
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program – we are an employee‑owned company
  • Profit Sharing Bonus – which is paid twice per year
  • (k)larity Plan - Voluntary Employee Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance equivalent to base salary, with option for Supplemental Life election
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