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Plant Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Central Plains Cement

Engineer - Automation

Sugar Creek, MO · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Responsible for learning the Programmable Logic Controller software and hardware. * Responsible for ... Participates in the improvement of the Plant's technical capabilities through optimizing automation ...

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 ...

Central Plains Cement

Engineer - Automation

Sugar Creek, MO · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Responsible for learning the Programmable Logic Controller software and hardware. * Responsible for ... Participates in the improvement of the Plant's technical capabilities through optimizing automation ...

NIBCO

Project Engineer

Goshen, IN · On-site

Lead various projects for overall plant optimization. Support development of new manufacturing ... Engineering: * Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics. * Lead capital ...

Raya Workforce

Mechanical Engineer

Batesville, AR · On-site

Support equipment reliability, production efficiency, and plant optimization efforts. * Coordinate ... Apply engineering and economic analysis principles to justify project investments. * Maintain ...

Quanta Services

Engineering Team Lead

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred * Experience supporting outage management, capital projects, and plant optimization initiatives * Familiarity with reliability-centered maintenance (RCM ...

Sterling Engineering

Plant Engineer

Augusta, WI · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Continuous improvement and process optimization experience * Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated Plant Project Engineer to support ...

Amrize

Plant Layout Designer

Plano, TX · On-site

... engineering group for effective design and plant optimization. * Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work ...

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All JobsPlant Optimization Engineer Jobs

Plant Optimization Engineer information

See salary details

$41.5K

$99.9K

$143K

How much do plant optimization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 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:
What states have the most Plant Optimization Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Optimization Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plant Optimization Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Optimization Engineer jobs are:
Plant Optimization Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Optimization Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,873 per year, or $48 per hour.
Sr Technical Sales Engineer

Sr Technical Sales Engineer

Nextracker

Fremont, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

At Nextpower, we are driving the clean energy transition by delivering intelligent, high-performance solutions for utility-scale solar power plants. Our advanced solar tracker systems and plant optimization technologies enable improved energy yield, reduced risk, and long-term project value for customers across the United States.

We are a team of innovative, collaborative problem-solvers committed to delivering technical excellence and commercial strength in every project we support.

Role Overview

Nextpower is seeking aSenior Technical Sales Engineerto lead technical engagement and drive win-rate success across complex utility-scale solar opportunities throughout the United States.

This role serves as the senior technical authority supporting the U.S. Sales organization. The Senior Technical Sales Engineer provides deep technical expertise across the full sales lifecycle, strengthens customer confidence, and supports 3rd-party Independent Engineer (IE) diligence and financing reviews.

This position is focused exclusively onU.S. market supportand collaborates closely with U.S.-based Sales, Engineering, and Project teams.

What You'll Do

Sales Cycle Technical Leadership (U.S. Market)

  • Serve as the senior technical point of contact for U.S. Sales.

  • Lead development of technical proposals and responses to RFIs/RFPs.

  • Provide system optimization analysis, performance modeling support, and technical risk mitigation strategies.

  • Support customer meetings, technical workshops, and pre-contract negotiations.

  • Influence customer technical specifications to align with Nextpower solutions.

Independent Engineer (IE) & Technical Diligence Support

  • Support U.S.-based 3rd-party IE engagements and lender technical reviews.

  • Prepare documentation and responses for performance modeling, structural design, and system architecture assessments.

  • Coordinate with internal engineering teams to addressdiligencefindings and technical clarifications.

Customer Training & Technical Enablement

  • Develop and deliver customer technical training sessions covering tracker system functionality and plant performance optimization.

  • Lead technical education workshops during late-stage sales and pre-construction phases.

  • Create professional, customer-facing documentation and presentation materials.

  • Support technical onboarding to ensure effective handoff to Project Engineering and Operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with U.S. Sales, Product, Engineering, Applications, and Project teams to deliver technically sound solutions.

  • Participate in structured technical risk reviews for complex projects.

  • Provide market feedback based on customer interactions and IE engagement insights.

Sales Enablement & Competitive Insight

  • Support internal U.S. sales enablement initiatives.

  • Maintain awareness of competitive offerings and specification trends within the U.S. utility-scale solar market.

  • Contribute to improvements in quoting tools and cost estimation processes.

What We're Looking For

Experience

  • 8+ years of experiencein utility-scale solar energy, technical sales engineering, applications engineering, system designor construction

  • Extensive experience supporting competitive U.S. sales processes.

  • Demonstrated involvement in Independent Engineer (IE) reviews and lender technical diligence.

  • Proven track record influencing technical decisions in large-scale project environments.

Technical Knowledge

  • Deep understanding of:

  • Utility-scale solar tracker systems

  • PV plant performance modeling

  • Electrical schematics and system layouts

  • EPC workflows and U.S. project development processes

  • Strong knowledge of engineering economics and lifecycle performance optimization.

  • Experience evaluating technical risk in competitive bid environments.

Skills

  • High-level communication skills with the ability to translate technicaldetailinto clear commercial value.

  • Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookup functions, scenario modeling).

  • Experience using CRM tools such as Salesforce or equivalent.

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent opportunities.

  • Customer-focused, detail-oriented, and composed under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with performance modeling software and solar plant optimization tools.

  • Prior engagement with EPCs, developers, IPPs, and Independent Engineers within the U.S. market.

Why Nextpower

  • Opportunity to serve as a senior technical leader supporting high-impact U.S. solar projects.

  • Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on innovation and execution.

  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower's benefits please view our company website at www.Nextpower.com

Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is 150,000.00 to 165,000.00 plus a commission structure based on commission calculation, such as percentage of sales or specific metrics.(Applicable to California)

NEXRSR

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are Nextpower

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