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Plant Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

EHS Coordinator

Wausau, WI · On-site

$38.40/hr

In addition, they will have responsibility for sprinkler systems, plant fire, and alarm systems and partner with the Plant Engineer, including helping with contractors. Environmental responsibilities ...

EHS Coordinator

Wausau, WI · On-site

$38.40/hr

In addition, they will have responsibility for sprinkler systems, plant fire, and alarm systems and partner with the Plant Engineer, including helping with contractors. Environmental responsibilities ...

LS-SC-UHEP Project Engineering Recruiter: Kathy Lewison This information is for internals only ... the plant to ensure reliable operation. * Work with the Maintenance department to schedule and ...

In this highly visible leadership role, you will partner closely with the Plant Engineer to drive safety, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance plant ...

In this highly visible leadership role, you will partner closely with the Plant Engineer to drive safety, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance plant ...

Showing results 21-40

Plant Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$41.9K

$100.8K

$144.3K

How much do plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineer in Wisconsin is $100,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $121,100.00 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Plant Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Plant Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,807 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Food Plant

MRINetwork Jobs

Darien, WI • On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Our client – a global food processing company needs an Engineering Manager- Food Plant at their plant in Wisconsin. Excellent salary + Annual Bonus + generous relocation + benefits package.

 

Job Posting # 2712R                                                                     

Job Title: Engineering Manager- Food Plant                                         

Location:  Darien, WI                           

Compensation: Salary of $130K - $165K/Yr + Annual Bonus (Target – 15%) + Stock purchase Plan

Relocation & Benefits:  YES - Client offers a Generous Relocation + Benefits Package                                   

Company Info: 

Our client is a premier food producer. It is a global company in business for 100 + years, with sales of around $11B+ and 18K+ people worldwide and around 38 plants.

Group Info: Be part of a plant with 700K Sq Feet of plant size with around 800 people, processing raw vegetables into frozen packages and meals. This plant has capex budget of $30M per year and is commissioning a state of the art 100-foot Tunnel Freezer using refrigerant Ammonia + Nitrogen.

This role reports to the Plant Manager and will have 4 direct reports – 1 Project Engineer, 1 Automation Controls Engineer, 1 Facility-Utility Manager and 1 PSM Co-Ordinator. The Maintenance department does NOT report to this role.

Note 1: The plant does not use city water, but treats water from Wells. The plant also treats, its own waste water using Septic system. Any experience in water/waste treatment is not required but a huge plus.

Note 2: The plant has extensive refrigeration systems using Ammonia & Nitrogen for product flash freezing and Cold storage freezers and plant HVAC. Any experience in above gases is not required but a huge plus.

Note 3: The plant process raw vegetables and has extensive process food safety, environmental safety programs in place. Any experience in Process Plant Safety is not required but a huge plus.

Note 4: The plant Project Engineer handles smaller local projects. All huge capital expansion project like the 100-foot Tunnel freezer is handled by the Corporate Project Management team. Project Management of large CAPEX projects is not required but a huge plus.

Job Summary:

  • Develop and implement overall plant technical strategies focused on engineering projects, maintenance and stores improvement programs.
  • Develop vertical startup processes to ensure implementation of low loss production systems.
  • Provide solutions to technical problems and recommendations for improvements in production activities and manage the plant technical organization.
  • Develop and lead plant specific engineering strategies to achieve performance goals.
  • Create/manage dept. plant expense budgets and work with Corporate Engineering to deliver the capital budget.

Job Description: 

  • Assist Plant in establishing safety of all of our team members as the plant's first objective.
  • Lead the cross-functional development and implementation of the capital plan including the engagement of related Plant and Corporate functions such as Safety, Sanitation, Quality, Environmental, Operations, Maintenance, Finance and Operations
  • Work with Platform Engineering Director to resource projects including Engineering Project Manager, Subject Matter Expert and Startup Manager roles.
  • Support the Plant in conducting internal systems audits.
  • Support the Plant in providing direction and lead the EM Pillar Team in the development of long and short-term plans and goals for the Plant.
  • Support the Plant in providing project and technical support to the plant and division.
  • Support the Plant in participating on and leading project teams that improve safety, quality, utilization, labor relations, sanitation, costs and customer service.
  • Manage the Utilities team and ensure functionality and compliance within our plant utilities processes such as: Refrigeration, Ammonia, Nitrogen, Steam, Natural Gas and Compressed Air.  
  • Lead the Plant in preparing and conducting necessary team meetings for proper communications and development of teams.
  • Must also have the ability to work with Maintenance, Quality, Production and Warehouse teams to create a cooperative environment.
  • Give work direction and coordinating mechanical and clerical activities in the maintenance department.

Candidate Must Have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
  • Min. 5 years of experience in Food Manufacturing plants.
  • 2+ years of Management experience in Food plant engineering and/or Projects   
  • Good leadership skills. Work as a peer mentor and advisor to other departments.
  • Lead and work well within cross functional teams
  • Ability to rotate shifts and work weekends and holidays when required
  • Experience communicating with all levels at the plant and making presentations to all levels

Nice to Have:

  • PE license or Master’s degree
  • Project Management Professional - PMP certified
  • Project Management experience for expansion/upgrades and working with Corporate PM group.
  • Utilities – Facilities experience with HVAC, Compress Air, Natural gas, Steam, Well and Waste water treatment, Electrical Power etc.
  • Refrigeration systems experience with Ammonia, Nitrogen for food flash + storage freezers.
  • Plant Process Food Safety and PSM experience.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks or similar.
  • Experience with SAP or other ERP applications.
  • Maintenance Engineering, CMMS system and Management.

Keywords: Project Manager, Manager Engineering, Manager Projects, manufacturing, plant, USDA, FDA, Food, PMP, Project Engineer, PE, Refrigeration Ammonia, Nitrogen, SAP, PSM, Well – Waste Water treatment.