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Senior Plant Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

1440 Foods

Senior Process Engineer

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer serves as a cornerstone of operational excellence at our food ... In this role, you will own the plant Management Operating System (MOS), drive KPI reporting and ...

Element Resources

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry out operations in an operating system or ... Able to understand and follow both verbal and visual instructions regarding plant safety and ...

Element Resources

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry out operations in an operating system or ... Able to understand and follow both verbal and visual instructions regarding plant safety and ...

MOTREX Co. Ltd

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry out operations in an operating system or ... Able to understand and follow both verbal and visual instructions regarding plant safety and ...

TRUCENT INC

Engineering Director

Noblesville, IN · On-site

... plant operators we serve. CPR is a focused expert in disc stack centrifuge repair, rebuild, and ... a senior engineering voice with key plant customers. A great day might include a morning plant ...

TRUCENT INC

Engineering Director

Noblesville, IN · On-site

... plant operators we serve. CPR is a focused expert in disc stack centrifuge repair, rebuild, and ... a senior engineering voice with key plant customers. A great day might include a morning plant ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPlant Operator JobsSenior Plant Operator JobsSenior Plant Operator Jobs in Indiana

Senior Plant Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$23.8K

$76.4K

$155.6K

How much do senior plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior plant operator in Indiana is $76,398.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior plant operator?

Senior Plant Operators are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of industrial plants or facilities, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing sites. They monitor equipment, control systems, and processes to ensure everything runs safely and efficiently. In addition to operating machinery, they often supervise junior staff, troubleshoot technical issues, and help implement safety and maintenance procedures. Their role is crucial for maintaining production targets and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior plant operator?

To thrive as a Senior Plant Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of plant operations, process controls, and safety regulations, often backed by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and equipment maintenance protocols is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and communicate effectively with a team are highly valued soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations while minimizing downtime and maintaining compliance.

What is the difference between Senior Plant Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectSenior Plant OperatorPlant Operator
CertificationsOften requires additional certifications or licenses, such as advanced operator licensesBasic operator licenses typically sufficient
Work EnvironmentSupervises operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasksPerforms routine operation and monitoring of plant equipment
ResponsibilitiesOversees team, ensures safety compliance, and handles complex issuesOperates equipment, monitors systems, and reports issues

The main difference between a Senior Plant Operator and a Plant Operator lies in responsibility level and required certifications. Senior Plant Operators typically oversee operations, handle complex troubleshooting, and may supervise staff, while Plant Operators focus on routine operations and monitoring. Both roles are essential in plant operations, but the senior position involves more leadership and technical expertise.

How much do senior plant operators make?

Senior plant operators typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. They often work in manufacturing, utilities, or processing plants and may require specialized training or licenses.

What are common challenges faced by senior plant operators and how can they be addressed?

Senior Plant Operators often face challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment issues, maintaining strict safety and environmental standards, and managing shift teams efficiently. Staying current with technological advancements and regulatory changes is essential, as is effective communication with maintenance, engineering, and management teams. Many operators address these challenges by participating in ongoing training, fostering a proactive safety culture, and developing strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Is being a senior plant operator worth it?

A senior plant operator is a skilled role responsible for overseeing plant operations, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards. It typically offers competitive pay, job stability, and opportunities for advancement, especially with relevant certifications and experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Senior Plant Operator jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Senior Plant Operator job openings:
Senior Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Plant Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,398 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

1440 Foods

Jeffersonville, IN • On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

1440 Foods rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 437 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

1440 Foods is a sports and active nutrition company on a mission to help energize people to unleash their potential with a focused portfolio of accessible, great-tasting health and wellness brands: Pure Protein® nutrition bars; and Body Fortress® high efficacy protein powders; MET-Rx® high-performance meal replacements; and FitCrunch® delicious high protein snacks. Join our fun, fast-paced company to be a part of growing 1440 Foods into the future!
Position Overview:
The Senior Process Engineer serves as a cornerstone of operational excellence at our food manufacturing facility. In this role, you will own the plant Management Operating System (MOS), drive KPI reporting and analysis, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the plant floor. You will mentor cross-functional Rapid Results Teams, champion best practice sharing across shifts and sites, and foster a culture where every team member is invested in performance. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on how we operate, improve, and grow.
Job Responsibilities:
Management Operating System (MOS)
  • Own and maintain the plant MOS, ensuring consistent execution across all departments and shifts.
  • Drive Hour by Hour boards, department performance boards, and plant-level performance tracking as key pillars of the operating rhythm.
  • Ensure the MOS is a living system that reflects current priorities and drives accountability at every level of the plant.

KPI Reporting and Analysis
  • Lead plant KPI reporting, including data collection, analysis, and presentation to plant leadership.
  • Identify trends, surface performance gaps, and translate data into clear, actionable insights.
  • Benchmark performance across shifts and facilitate structured best practice sharing to close gaps and replicate wins.
  • Monitor and analyze production variance data to ensure accurate financial reporting of yield.

Continuous Improvement and Culture
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement on the plant floor by engaging operators, supervisors, and support teams in CI principles.
  • Lead and mentor Rapid Results Teams, guiding structured problem-solving efforts through to measurable outcomes.
  • Identify, valuate, and prioritize improvement opportunities using data-driven analysis and cross-functional input.
  • Leverage knowledge and learnings across 1440 Foods sites to ensure consistency in processes and accelerate improvement efforts.

Training and SOP Development
  • Support the development, revision, and standardization of SOPs to reflect best practices and current process knowledge.
  • Partner with plant leadership and training teams to build and deliver effective training programs for production staff.
  • Ensure documentation is accurate, accessible, and consistently maintained.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with quality, operations, maintenance, and supply chain teams to align improvement efforts with broader plant and business objectives.
  • Serve as a resource and thought partner for plant leadership on process strategy, capacity, and performance.

Qualifications and Skills:
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a process engineering or continuous improvement role within food, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated experience owning or leading a Management Operating System (MOS) or similar structured operating model.
  • Proven track record of leading CI initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or equivalent) with measurable results.
  • Experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP preferred.

Skills and Competencies
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to build and interpret KPI dashboards and performance reports.
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including experience presenting to plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools; experience with process simulation software a plus.
  • Ability to influence without direct authority and drive engagement at all levels of the organization.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations, GMP, and quality standards applicable to food manufacturing.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to other 1440 Foods manufacturing sites.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:
  • Exposure to both office and food manufacturing environments.
  • Significant time working at a computer station, with frequent visits to the manufacturing floor.
  • Must wear required PPE while in all manufacturing areas.
  • Frequent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to perform functions including repetitive motion, grasping, lifting, reaching, crouching, and climbing.
  • Noise levels will vary; higher noise levels exist in plant operations areas.

If you're a continuous improvement leader who thrives on building systems, developing teams, and driving measurable results on the plant floor, we'd love to hear from you.

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