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Plant Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bachem

Plant Engineering

Vista, CA · On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

A brief overview The Plant Engineer serves as the technical leader for the facility, with responsibilities comparable to a department head within Technical Operations and Production. This role is ...

Bachem

Plant Engineering

Torrance, CA · On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

A brief overview The Plant Engineer serves as the technical leader for the facility, with responsibilities comparable to a department head within Technical Operations and Production. This role is ...

3M

Plant Engineering Sr Supervisor

Oak Hills, CA · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Plant Engineering Sr Supervisor Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it ...

3M

Plant Engineering Sr Supervisor

Oak Hills, CA · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Plant Engineering Sr Supervisor Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it ...

Valley Children's Healthcare

Plant Engineer

Madera, CA · On-site

$35.85 - $53.35/hr

The Plant Services Department hastwoteams thatmaintainall buildings on our500-acrecampus as well as ... We also have an engineering team that services,maintains,and repairs the hospital's emergency power ...

Valley Children's Healthcare

Plant Engineer

Madera, CA · On-site

$35.85 - $53.35/hr

The Plant Services Department has two teams that maintain all buildings on our 500-acre campus as ... We also have an engineering team that services, maintains, and repairs the hospital's emergency ...

CalPortland

Plant Engineer

Oro Grande, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Job Summary The Plant Engineer position will be responsible for fulfilling all duties in ... the Engineering department and duties as assigned, including, but not limited to budgeting ...

New

Boden Talent

Central Utility Plant Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$167K - $219K/yr

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of plant operators, engineers, and technicians. * Oversee the safe and efficient operation of central utility plant systems. * Implement preventative and predictive ...

Gehl Food & Beverage

Plant Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Working alongside Maintenance and Engineering Managers, the Plant Engineer drives forward-looking initiatives rather than day-to-day operations support. Key Responsibilities * Lead reliability and ...

California Natural Products

Plant Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

Working alongside Maintenance and Engineering Managers, the Plant Engineer drives forward-looking initiatives rather than day-to-day operations support. Key Responsibilities * Lead reliability and ...

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All JobsPlant Engineering JobsPlant Engineering Jobs in California

Plant Engineering information

See California salary details

$41K

$98.6K

$141.1K

How much do plant engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineering in California is $98,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plant engineering?

Plant engineering is a field focused on the design, operation, maintenance, and optimization of industrial facilities and equipment. Plant engineers ensure that manufacturing plants and other industrial sites run efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Their responsibilities often include overseeing equipment installation, troubleshooting problems, improving processes, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Plant engineers play a crucial role in maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime in various industries such as manufacturing, energy, and processing.

What are some common challenges faced by plant engineers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Plant engineers often encounter challenges such as equipment downtime, process inefficiencies, and compliance with safety regulations. Addressing these issues typically involves proactive maintenance planning, effective problem-solving, and collaboration with operations and maintenance teams. Staying updated with industry best practices and regularly communicating with cross-functional departments can help plant engineers implement long-term solutions and improve overall plant performance.

What does a plant engineer do?

A plant engineer is responsible for maintaining, designing, and improving manufacturing or industrial plant operations. They oversee equipment, ensure safety standards, troubleshoot technical issues, and often use tools like CAD software. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Plant Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectPlant EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CertificationsPE (Professional Engineer), OSHA safety trainingPE, EIT, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing, R&D labs
Industry UsageHeavy industry, utilities, manufacturing plantsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, product design

Plant Engineering focuses on maintaining and improving industrial plant operations, including equipment, safety, and efficiency. Mechanical Engineering covers the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems across various industries. While both roles require similar certifications and often work in industrial settings, Plant Engineers are more involved in operational aspects, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on design and development.

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 typically a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, maintenance management systems, and knowledge of safety and regulatory standards are commonly required. Strong project management, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help Plant Engineers collaborate and lead teams efficiently. These competencies ensure safe, efficient plant operations and continuous process improvements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Plant Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Engineering jobs in California? For Plant Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Engineering jobs in California are:
Plant Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,565 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Plant Engineering

Bachem

Vista, CA • On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

A brief overview
The Plant Engineer serves as the technical leader for the facility, with responsibilities comparable to a department head within Technical Operations and Production. This role is accountable for maintaining reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of manufacturing facilities and infrastructure. This position acts as the primary technical resource for the site, ensuring plant readiness, leading maintenance planning and strategy, managing small- and medium-scale engineering projects, and implementing technical improvements in collaboration with Technical Operations, Operational Excellence, and Engineering teams.
What you will do
  • Economically and efficiently maintain the operational readiness of the plant while considering high plant standards and meeting HSE/GMP requirements within applicable laws and company guidelines.
  • Own the maintenance strategy and maintenance planning for all production facilities in the Site, including ordinary and extraordinary maintenance activities.
  • Instruct, organize, implement, and monitor maintenance activities; control relevant budgets; maintain CMMS master data; and secure and provide required spare parts.
  • Manage and engineer small and medium-sized projects at the site from initial project idea and cost estimate through commissioning and qualification.
  • Ensure compliance with GMP, safety, environmental, and energy-use requirements; lead proper GMP documentation practices; and promote good housekeeping.
  • Serve as the first contact person for the Site in all technical matters.
  • Monitor all ongoing engineering projects and control project budgets and schedules.
  • Drive technical innovations and improvements in close coordination with TechOps, Operational Excellence, and Engineering, including identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities, standardizing and developing processes and equipment, reducing energy, maintenance, operating, and installation costs, and ensuring technical system availability.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering, or comparable discipline
  • 6+ years' experience in a GMP-regulated environment
  • 4+ years of work experience in a manufacturing facility
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and manage cross-functional interfaces
  • Extensive knowledge of the design, construction, engineering, and maintenance of pharmaceutical plants
  • Analytical thinking, hands-on mentality, and strong communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain plant operational readiness while balancing cost efficiency, high plant standards, and HSE/GMP requirements.
  • Knowledge of maintenance strategy, maintenance planning, CMMS master data, spare parts management, and budget control.
  • Ability to manage small and medium engineering projects from concept and estimate through commissioning and qualification.
  • Knowledge of technical innovation, continuous improvement, process and equipment standardization, and cost reduction opportunities.
  • Very good German and English language skills, both written and spoken.
  • Confident handling of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital collaboration tools.
  • Knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems.
  • Experience with CMMS systems.

Base Annual Salary Range: $128,560 - $176,770
Placement of new hires in this wage range is based on several factors including education, skill sets, experience, and training.
Total Rewards
We offer all Team Members a total rewards package including competitive pay, annual performance bonus, a generous benefit package with comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, personal and sick days.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Bachem takes responsibility for future generations by a careful handling of resources and avoiding environmental risks. We continually improve our ecological performance and develop and implement new approaches for enhancing employees' environmental awareness. EcoVadis has awarded Bachem Gold Medal status in their assessment of Bachem.
Bachem Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer
As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the diversity of our team and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where individuals are hired and advanced based on merit, skills, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
At Bachem, you'll find a diverse, multicultural team. The (a) in the job title stands for all. We welcome applications from all candidates. What matters are your skills and motivation-regardless of age, gender, background, religion, or sexual orientation.
Please note: unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be considered.
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