Associate Plant Engineer

Perdue Farms; Accomac (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company in Virginia seeks an Associate Plant Engineer to oversee capital planning and execution. This role will ensure collaboration with leadership to achieve operational excellence and maintain safety and compliance. Candidates should hold a BS degree in engineering or have 5 years of relevant experience, with strong skills in leadership and communication. Frequent site visits will be required.

Qualifications

• Must be able to travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings.
• Frequent plant and project site visits required.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Operations and Engineering leadership to execute capital projects.
• Conduct project meetings with cross-functional teams.
• Build project timelines and identify risks.
• Serve as technical resource for the project team.
• Report key project management metrics.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Proficient in AutoCAD

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil, or Structural Engineering

Job description

Overview

Associate Plant Engineer role at Perdue Farms.

Summary

This position provides responsibility for capital planning and execution as directed by the Regional Engineering Manager. Works collaboratively with maintenance and operations leadership to deliver high performance facilities, equipment, production systems, and maintenance programs that deliver maximum uptime and reliability. This role is a valued member of the engineering team to ensure safety, environmental, energy, and production requirements are met or exceeded. Requires leadership skills working with cross-functional teams and effectively managing timelines. Position may manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to influence across business units and to coordinate external and internal resources.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Operations and Engineering leadership to execute capital projects that deliver on Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.
• Capitalize projects including facility infrastructure, equipment, production systems, technical maintenance support, environmental and energy utilization.
• Conduct project meetings with cross-functional teams to ensure scope and business objectives are met on time and within budget. Fully utilize engineering work processes and Stage Gate to ensure project success.
• Build project timelines, clearly state objectives and identify risks.
• Participate in the development of 5-Year capital plans and forecasting spend projects.
• Serve as technical resource for the project team; escalate issues to the manager to maintain project progress.
• Report key project management metrics.
• Maintain accurate and current floor plans and equipment layouts.
• Ensure infrastructure is maintained to meet operational needs including safety, code compliance, electrical, mechanical, boiler, and HVAC systems.
• Collaborate with safety, FSQA, production, maintenance, and environmental managers; no direct reports.
• Frequent travel to various sites as required.

Minimum Education

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil or Structural Engineering, or in lieu of a degree a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.

Experience Requirements

Must be able to travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings. Frequent plant and project site visits required. Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.

Experience Preferred

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil or Structural Engineering and 2 years related work experience.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Position is active; work occurs on project and plant sites. On-the-floor activities such as troubleshooting and redesign of existing systems are routine.
• May need to move equipment occasionally.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work environment includes office, construction site, and climate extremes found in poultry processing operations, including waste treatment facilities.
• Ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.
• In plant environments: wet and moist floors, varying temperatures, humidity, and noise; may handle products at specified temperatures; exposure to chemicals used in poultry processing; require protective equipment as directed.
• Must be able to work at heights and around operating equipment.
• Must be trained in Lockout/Tagout procedures.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.