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Plant Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vision RNG

PLANT OPERATOR

Fostoria, OH · On-site

... optimization. • Ensure plant operations are maintained within required safety standards. • ... timely manner. • Support engineering staff with construction planning and gas collection ...

Vision RNG

PLANT OPERATOR

Fostoria, OH

Recording, analyzing, and using plant operations data to ensure plant optimization. Ensure plant ... Support engineering staff with construction planning and gas collection expansion. Maintain a ...

VisionRNG

PLANT OPERATOR

Fostoria, OH · On-site

Recording, analyzing, and using plant operations data to ensure plant optimization. * Ensure plant ... Support engineering staff with construction planning and gas collection expansion. * Maintain a ...

Nextracker

Sr Technical Sales Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Our advanced solar tracker systems and plant optimization technologies enable improved energy yield ... The Senior Technical Sales Engineer provides deep technical expertise across the full sales ...

Stepan Company

Process Engineer

Elwood, IL

$77K - $110K/yr

The Process Engineer will provide technical support in development and execution of Capital ... Participate on plant optimization teams to identify opportunities for improvements in cost ...

Stepan

Process Engineer

Elwood, IL

$77K - $110K/yr

The Process Engineer will provide technical support in development and execution of Capital ... Participate on plant optimization teams to identify opportunities for improvements in cost ...

Mellott Company

Applications Engineer

Warfordsburg, PA · On-site

Perform aggregate flow analyses and plant optimization studies, while making recommendations ... Bachelor's degree in Mining, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering Experience Requirements: Two to three ...

Mellott Company

Applications Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

Perform aggregate flow analyses and plant optimization studies, while making recommendations ... Bachelor's degree in Mining, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering Experience Requirements: Two to three ...

Stepan

Process Engineer

Elwood, IL · On-site

$77K - $110K/yr

The Process Engineer will provide technical support in development and execution of Capital ... Participate on plant optimization teams to identify opportunities for improvements in cost ...

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All JobsPlant Optimization Engineer Jobs

Plant Optimization Engineer information

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$41.5K

$99.9K

$143K

How much do plant optimization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant optimization engineer in the United States is $99,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by plant optimization engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Plant Optimization Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, integrating new technologies into existing processes, and managing cross-functional communication. Addressing these challenges typically involves strong analytical skills, continuous collaboration with operations and maintenance teams, and staying updated on industry best practices. Proactive problem-solving and adaptability are crucial, as is the ability to lead process improvement initiatives while ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant optimization engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Optimization Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, along with experience in process optimization and data analysis. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB), Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and SCADA systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help drive continuous improvement and facilitate cross-functional teamwork. These competencies are crucial for maximizing plant efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring operational excellence in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Plant Optimization Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectPlant Optimization EngineerProcess Engineer
Primary FocusMaximizing plant efficiency and performanceDesigning and improving manufacturing processes
Skills & CertificationsProcess optimization, data analysis, engineering fundamentalsProcess design, chemical/industrial engineering, certifications like PE
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageEnergy, chemicals, manufacturingChemical, petrochemical, manufacturing

While both roles involve process understanding, the Plant Optimization Engineer focuses on improving overall plant performance and efficiency, often using data analysis and optimization techniques. The Process Engineer concentrates on designing and refining specific processes. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in scope and daily tasks.

What does a plant optimization engineer do?

A Plant Optimization Engineer is responsible for improving the efficiency, productivity, and safety of industrial plants. They analyze current processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions such as automation, new technologies, or process adjustments. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, operators, and management to ensure optimal plant performance while reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact.
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What cities are hiring for Plant Optimization Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plant Optimization Engineer job openings:
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Plant Optimization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Optimization Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,873 per year, or $48 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Optimization Engineer

Cummins

Plainfield, IN • On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Cummins rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 262 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

We are looking for a talented Senior Manufacturing Optimization Engineer to join our team specializing in Manufacturing for our Cummins center located in Plainfield, IN. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Action Oriented: You energize projects by stepping into new challenges quickly, driving momentum, and ensuring critical work moves forward without hesitation. 
  • Collaborative Leadership: You strengthen cross functional partnerships, creating alignment and shared ownership that accelerates results. 
  • Customer-Centric Execution: You elevate the customer experience by understanding needs deeply and shaping solutions that build trust and long-term loyalty. 
  • Engagement Driver: You cultivate an environment where people feel motivated, supported, and inspired to contribute their best work. 
  • Ambiguity Navigator: You bring clarity to uncertain situations, making steady progress even when direction is evolving or incomplete. 
  • Complexity Manager: You distill large volumes of information into clear insights, enabling smarter decisions and more effective problem solving. 
  • Conflict Stewardship: You address tensions constructively and calmly, preserving relationships while keeping teams focused on shared goals. 
  • Process Optimizer: You streamline workflows, reduce waste, and champion continuous improvement to enhance quality, efficiency, and operational excellence. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

This is a 100% On-site position.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Operational Excellence & OEE: A strong ability to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness by reducing scrap, optimizing cycle times, and applying Lean and Six Sigma tools to elevate manufacturing performance.
  • Technology Roadmap Execution: The capability to assess, select, and integrate Industry 4.0 technologies-automation, robotics, and advanced analytics-to modernize production systems and drive long-term competitiveness.
  • Lean Mastery: Deep experience leading Kaizen events and applying 5S, MIFC, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis to eliminate waste and strengthen process discipline.
  • Continuous Improvement Mindset: A commitment to identifying inefficiencies, implementing structured improvement methodologies, and sustaining gains across manufacturing operations.
  • Software Proficiency: Strong command of CAD tools, Oracle, SolidWorks, and ERP/MES platforms to support design, planning, and real-time production management.
  • Educational Foundation: A background in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering, with an MBA or MS preferred to support strategic decision making and leadership responsibilities.
  • Lean Six Sigma Expertise: A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred) to lead data driven problem solving and guide teams through structured improvement projects.
  • Technical & Analytical Agility: The ability to interpret complex operational data, diagnose performance gaps, and translate insights into actionable, measurable improvements.


Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university or equivalent degree, or equivalent practical experience required.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Intermediate level of relevant work experience, including manufacturing or manufacturing plant experience, team leadership experience, preferred.

What Cummins employees say

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919

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