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Plant Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Complete hands-on testing for new process changes From a Plant Process Engineer: I enjoy the constant problem solving and the drive toward innovation that keeps things exciting. I have had jobs in ...

... Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other partners Lead capital project ... hiring process. This role may require you to be in our manufacturing facilities. When visiting ...

Lead Process Engineer

Niskayuna, NY · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Pilot Plant and/or equipment testing of a process or process step Alternative raw material evaluations. Lead contract manufacturing evaluations. Detailed engineering review and Process Manual writing ...

Plant Process Engineer - Clinton, IA This is an exempt level position. Position Summary: The Plant Process Engineer will apply engineering principles to both new and existing operations, with ...

The Plant Process Engineer is responsible for leading the plant's environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives while supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of manufacturing ...

The Plant Process Engineer is responsible for leading the plant's environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives while supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of manufacturing ...

The Plant Process Engineer is responsible for supporting the quarry, crushing and screening, and vessel loading production units at the Port Inland, Cedarville, and Drummond Island sites. Leads the ...

The Plant Process Engineer is responsible for supporting the quarry, crushing and screening, and vessel loading production units at the Port Inland, Cedarville, and Drummond Island sites. Leads the ...

Responsibilities Process Engineer supports plant Operations and Maintenance by providing expertise in process control, instrumentation, and automation systems. The primary goal of the role is to ...

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Plant Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do plant process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Plant Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and experience in process optimization. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB), Six Sigma certification, and knowledge of PLC/SCADA systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help drive continuous improvement and teamwork. These skills are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective plant operations.

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

AspectPlant Process EngineerChemical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; often requires process-specific certificationsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering; optional professional engineer (PE) license
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, refineries, chemical processing facilitiesResearch labs, manufacturing plants, consulting firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in manufacturing and processing industries

Plant Process Engineers focus on optimizing manufacturing processes within plants, ensuring efficiency and safety. Chemical Engineers have a broader scope, including designing chemical processes, research, and development. While both roles require chemical engineering fundamentals, Plant Process Engineers are more involved in day-to-day plant operations, whereas Chemical Engineers often work in design and research settings.

Do plant process engineers make a lot of money?

Plant process engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual salary for a plant process engineer ranges from $70,000 to $100,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced skills, certifications, or managerial responsibilities.

What does a plant process engineer do?

A Plant Process Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes within a plant or industrial facility. They analyze current processes, identify areas for improvement, and work to increase efficiency, safety, and product quality. Their role often involves collaborating with other engineers, maintenance teams, and production staff to troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth plant operations. Process Engineers also play a key role in ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

How does a plant process engineer typically collaborate with production and maintenance teams to improve operational efficiency?

Plant Process Engineers work closely with both production and maintenance teams to identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot process issues, and implement improvements. They often lead cross-functional meetings to discuss ongoing challenges, analyze equipment performance data, and develop solutions that enhance safety, reduce downtime, and optimize throughput. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as engineers must ensure that process changes are practical, sustainable, and aligned with operational goals. This collaborative environment helps foster continuous improvement and professional growth within the plant.
More about Plant Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Plant Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plant Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Plant Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Plant Process Engineer

CaptiveAire

West Union, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


CaptiveAire rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary:

This role will be responsible for maintaining and improving production across various products and equipment at our West Union manufacturing facility.

Why Work for CaptiveAire? 

  • Nation's leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems, and now offering a complete solution of fans, heaters, ductwork and HVAC equipment. Our primary purpose is to provide fully integrated, sustainable HVAC Systems.
  • Leader in the industry for over 40 years with innovative technologies, unmatched service, competitive pricing, and rapid lead times.
  • Mission: to provide the highest quality products and service to our users at the lowest possible price
  • Strong commitment to the development of our employees, including continuous education opportunities like sponsorship for Professional Engineering license and continuous education through weekly webinars and company developed technical videos 

What our employees have to say: 

I love the mindset of continuous learning and pushing the bounds of your capabilities and knowledge. I love the people I work with and the environment, particularly in a world where remote work is common. I love how Captiveaire is all about connections, with customers, coworkers, end users, and everyone in between.  

What I truly admire about CaptiveAire is the company's unwavering commitment to innovation and continuous improvement... Equally impressive is the culture of open communication that exists throughout the organization. From my own experience, upper management never takes the stance that a task is "not their job." Instead, there's a shared understanding that every role is essential to the company's success. This mindset, combined with the transparent communication across departments and facilities, creates a collaborative environment that truly sets CaptiveAire apart.

We want to stay on the cutting edge and so are constantly sourcing and utilizing the best equipment available. Any position can provide feedback that is listened to and incorporated into processes. Collaboration is key at CaptiveAire and so there is no being "Silo-ed" into one area.

CaptiveAire is fast-moving and no-nonsense. We operate differently than any other company that I've worked for with our decentralized structure. Quick action is taken when a good idea is presented. We are focused on end users where the rest of the industry is very short-sighted. We are on the front lines, actively changing the landscape of the HVAC industry. 

Learn more about CaptiveAire and our products here 

A Day in the Life: 

No two days are ever the same in this role. 

Tasks can include:

  • Training operators in proper process, tool usage, and tool maintenance. 
  • Collaborating with other engineering teams on process efficiency, quality, and safety improvement projects. 
  • Developing new designs using 3D modeling software like Solidworks for carts or production tools. Then work with the fab shops to complete the fabrication of them in a timely manner. 
  • Work closely with contractors to coordinate utility needs such as air and electrical drops, and oversee the installation of new equipment. 
  • Coordinate daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance tasks on machinery.
  • Troubleshoot machines whenever the team needs extra support. 
  • Provide hands-on support to production lines as needed.
  • Complete hands-on testing for new process changes

From a Plant Process Engineer: I enjoy the constant problem solving and the drive toward innovation that keeps things exciting. I have had jobs in the past where the day could not end soon enough because I was ready to be done. This is not one of them. I find the job rewarding and find myself here past scheduled hours often not because I have to but because I want to.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

  • 95% of the workday will be on the manufacturing floor working on projects, operating and repair of equipment
  • Involvement with equipment operators to ensure parts are programmed, training and any process related issues
  • Responsible for working with Safety, Quality, and Industrial engineering teams on parts, assembly, and process improvements 
  • Implementation of Engineer Change Notices (ECN) and Process Change Instructions (PCI)
  • Support production as needed, capable of building all products to the expected quality standards in the designated area of focus on an as needed basis
  • Assist production staff with product related questions
  • Work with Plant manager on various facility improvement projects

Job Requirements:

  • 0-10 yrs experience
  • 4-year technical degree, in an electrical, electronics or mechanically oriented curriculum
  • Must be strong in mechanical and electrical engineering.
  • Internship/co-op experience is preferred
  • Must enjoy hands on product exposure
  • Electrical skills and experience needed
  • AutoCAD or similar software a must
  • Multi-tasking, problem solving and strong communication skills a must
  • Strong emphasis on perfect product quality and to maintain a safe work environment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work standing for 8 - 10 hours at a time
  • Required to use ladder, forklift or other means to acquire parts for product assembly
  • Able to use power & hand tools, as well as electrical testing and measuring equipment
  • Ability to lift 35 to 50 pounds independently

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance 
  • Disability & life insurance based upon election of medical insurance 
  • 401k with employer match 
  • Paid holidays 
  • Paid time off (PTO) based upon tenure 
  • Flexible spending account (FSA) 
  • Tuition reimbursement, including for Professional Engineering (PE) License  
  • Relocation assistance 

Salary: 

$65k-$85k base, negotiable dependent on experience, with additional monthly bonus based on productivity and profits. 

Captive-Aire Systems, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, uniformed services, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time we are not able to consider applicants that require sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment visa status.

This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position.  Employees in this position are subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with CaptiveAire's Drug-Free Workplace policy.

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