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Plant Engineer Jobs in Virginia (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 improvements, and ensuring the safe, efficient production of high-quality products used worldwide. This ...

GDIT

Outside Plant Engineer

Arlington, VA

$41.68 - $56.40/hr

Yes Outside Plant Engineer Make meaningful contributions that fuel critical outcomes for some of the most complex government, defense, and intelligence projects. Join GDIT as a Outside Plant Engineer ...

Outsource Inc.

Outside Plant Engineer

Martinsville, VA · On-site

Design Engineers- The Outside Plant Engineer (OSP Engineer) responsibilities include design and preparation of Engineering Work Orders for primarily Ethernet orders, but could also include design ...

Tenneco

Plant Engineering/CI Manager

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Plant Engineer / Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager Location: Blacksburg, VA Reports To: Plant Manager Position Summary The Plant Engineer / Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager leads engineering and ...

OUTSOURCE, INC.

Outside Plant Engineer

Martinsville, VA · On-site

Design Engineers- The Outside Plant Engineer (OSP Engineer) responsibilities include design and preparation of Engineering Work Orders for primarily Ethernet orders, but could also include design ...

Tenneco

Plant Engineering/CI Manager

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Plant Engineer / Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager Location: Blacksburg, VA Reports To: Plant Manager Position Summary The Plant Engineer / Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager leads engineering and ...

Timmons Group

Outside Plant Engineer II/III

Richmond, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The OSP Engineer will be responsible for providing technical and engineering support for outside plant network operations and maintenance with a focus on fiber-based systems The candidate should have ...

ActioNet

Network Plant Engineer SME

Vienna, VA · On-site

$230K/yr

The Network plant engineer will serve as subject matter expert for the project. Oversees the survey, design, and implementation of physical fiber and copper cable plants, power connections (in ...

ActioNet, Inc.

Network Plant Engineer SME

Vienna, VA · On-site

$230K/yr

The Network plant engineer will serve as subject matter expert for the project. Oversees the survey, design, and implementation of physical fiber and copper cable plants, power connections (in ...

ActioNet, Inc.

Network Plant Engineer SME

Vienna, VA · On-site

$230K/yr

The Network plant engineer will serve as subject matter expert for the project. Oversees the survey, design, and implementation of physical fiber and copper cable plants, power connections (in ...

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All JobsPlant Engineer JobsPlant Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Plant Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$99K

$141.8K

How much do plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineer in Virginia is $99,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plant engineer do?

A plant engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing or processing plant operations. They oversee equipment, ensure safety standards, troubleshoot technical issues, and often use tools like CAD software and diagnostic systems to optimize plant performance.

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 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Executive or managerial engineering roles can also reach or exceed this salary level, particularly in high-demand industries or large organizations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing advanced certifications and expertise in niche areas.

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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain senior roles in software or systems engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills in high-demand industries or executive-level responsibilities.
More about Plant Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Plant Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Plant Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Engineer jobs in VA? For Plant Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,017 per year, or $47.6 per hour.
Plant Engineer

Plant Engineer

Gateway Search Associates

Richmond, VA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 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