Lead Plant Engineer & Project Manager

J.M. Huber Corporation; Rifle (CO); On-site; USD 107,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

J.M. Huber Corporation, based in Rifle, CO, seeks a Senior Plant Engineer/Project Manager to lead capital and maintenance engineering projects across our Natural Soda manufacturing operation.

You will coordinate timelines, budgets, contractors, and cross-functional teams to improve plant reliability and asset performance. The role requires mechanical engineering expertise, extensive project management experience in heavy industrial settings, and knowledge of codes and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of engineering and project management experience in industrial manufacturing, mining, chemical processing, or heavy industrial environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of rotating equipment, power transmission components, material handling components such as conveying methods, equipment and process equipment.
• Strong application knowledge of steam systems and familiarity with required codes – NBIC, ASME BPV Div 1, B31.3
• Knowledge & familiarity with steel construction and applicable codes – AWS D1.1 and IBC
• Experience managing capital projects, contractor oversight, and project budgeting.
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance, reliability engineering, and asset management.
• OSHA regulations, industrial safety standards, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience with AutoCAD, engineering drawing review, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS systems, and project management software.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs.
• Skilled in using discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Experience working in remote industrial or mining environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage capital and maintenance-related engineering projects from concept through completion.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, equipment specifications, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate internal resources, contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide mechanical engineering support for plant equipment including pumps, conveyors, compressors, piping systems, tanks, fans, motors, rotating equipment and steam systems.
• Provide structural engineering support for necessary building modifications required for equipment.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment failures and operational issues.
• Assist with reliability improvement initiatives, preventative maintenance optimization, and asset management programs.
• Develop and review engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment layouts, and technical specifications.
• Manage contractor activities and ensure compliance with all plant safety requirements and permitting processes.
• Monitor project costs, track expenditures, and provide regular status updates to leadership.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to identify process improvement opportunities and improve equipment reliability.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental and company safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives including Lean manufacturing and operational efficiency projects.
• Participate in shutdown planning, major maintenance activities, and equipment installations.
• Assist with procurement activities including bid reviews, vendor evaluations, and equipment selection.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, project files, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to operations and maintenance personnel as needed.
• Support emergency response efforts and provide after-hours technical support when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project management

Rotating equipment

Capital projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Tools

AutoCAD

CMMS

Microsoft Project

Job description

J.M. Huber Corporation, based in Rifle, CO, seeks a Senior Plant Engineer/Project Manager to lead capital and maintenance engineering projects across our Natural Soda manufacturing operation.

You will coordinate timelines, budgets, contractors, and cross-functional teams to improve plant reliability and asset performance. The role requires mechanical engineering expertise, extensive project management experience in heavy industrial settings, and knowledge of codes and safety standards.