Plant Optimization Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ITAC serves Process & Industrial clients with integrated engineering and construction services for complex capital projects. We also offer specialty services including power systems services and products, custom machine fabrication, and fall protection services and equipment. Founded in 1988 on a dream and a $5K loan, ITAC is a true success story. From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 500 employees operating from 6 offices in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, we provide Fortune 500 companies with innovative design-build solutions. We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals.

ITAC's purpose is to make life better. For our employees, this means providing them with the resources and flexibility they need to have both a rewarding career and a fulfilling family life. ITAC is 100% employee-owned. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Direct Stock Ownership, every team member has the unique opportunity to be an owner who shares in the company's growth and earnings. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family.

We hire passionate and motivated people with an innovative mindset and the desire to grow. If the thought of challenging, fast-paced projects excites you, then you've come to the right place. At ITAC, you'll be part of a collaborative team that works hard to make life better. For more information, visit itac.us.com.

This is a seconded position, meaning the selected candidate will be employed by ITAC but work full-time on assignment with one of our clients. While day-to-day responsibilities will be managed on-site with the client, ITAC provides ongoing support, resources, and benefits as your employer. This position is full time 12-month contract work and requires the employee to be on the client's Nashville, TN site. Please only apply if these requirements are agreeable to you.

Requirements

We are seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to support manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives within a dynamic production environment. This role serves as a dedicated engineering resource focused on optimizing manufacturing processes, improving equipment effectiveness, troubleshooting production issues, and partnering closely with operations teams on the plant floor.

The Process Engineer will play a critical role in supporting the organization's ongoing manufacturing transformation, including the planned transition of production operations from Nashville, Tennessee to a newly constructed facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. This position offers significant visibility, leadership exposure, and career development opportunities within a growing engineering team.

• Provide daily engineering support to manufacturing operations, production leads, and plant personnel.

• Spend significant time on the production floor identifying process improvements and driving operational excellence.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify losses, inefficiencies, and opportunities for optimization.
• Support Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing processes, equipment issues, and production challenges in real time.
• Utilize Power BI and other analytical tools to develop dashboards, monitor performance metrics, and communicate findings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support Integrated Work System (IWS) methodologies and continuous improvement programs.
• Diagnose root causes of process losses and develop sustainable solutions.
• Assist with operational readiness activities related to the future facility transition.
• Participate in daily direction-setting meetings and communicate project updates to stakeholders.
• Work effectively with personnel across all levels of the organization, from operators to plant leadership.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related Engineering discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience in a production environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience supporting plant operations and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive process improvements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Experience using data analytics tools and creating performance dashboards.

• Experience in an FDA-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with OEE metrics, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Proficiency with Power BI for data visualization and reporting.
• Experience within automotive, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or similar manufacturing environments.

Benefits

From internships to seasoned professionals, our growing company provides career opportunities for all levels of experience. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. For life's challenges, we also provide our employees and their immediate families with certified chaplains for around-the-clock encouragement and support. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family. ITAC provides benefits such as

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 401k & ESOP
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Wellness Program
• Safety Incentive Program
• 24/7 Chaplain Care