Plant Engineer

Ventura Foods; Chambersburg (Franklin County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Plant Engineer to enhance plant operations and cost efficiency. This dynamic role involves overseeing project identification, budgeting, and vendor selection while ensuring optimal equipment operation. The engineer will engage in upgrading facilities and designing new processing systems to meet customer needs. Join a company that values innovation and offers comprehensive training, a supportive environment, and growth opportunities. If you are passionate about engineering and ready to make a significant impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Profit sharing

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Employee appreciation events

Assistance programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
• Proficiency with welding and mechanical systems is essential.
• Experience managing capital projects is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize daily plant operations and identify projects.
• Plan and oversee improvements and expansions of the plant.
• Support the Maintenance Department with mechanical and electrical issues.

Skills

Welding Techniques (Arc, MIG, TIG)

Mechanical Systems

Electrical Systems

HVAC

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

PLC and VFD

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

5+ years of equivalent experience

Tools

Boilers

Pumps

Food Processing Equipment

Heat Exchangers

Blenders

Job description

Employment Type: Salaried
Shift: First
Work Designation: Onsite

Position Summary:

The Plant Engineer will be responsible for maintaining and improving plant operations to enhance cost efficiency. This role involves project identification, prioritization, budgeting, vendor selection, and presenting proposals to leadership. The engineer will play a key role in upgrading plant facilities, equipment operation, and designing and installing equipment, processing systems, and utilities to meet customer needs.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Maintain and optimize daily plant operations by identifying and prioritizing projects.
2. Plan and oversee plant improvements and expansions.
3. Create process flow charts and design/process systems.
4. Engage in engineering and R&D for new equipment and products.
5. Support the Maintenance Department with mechanical and electrical issues.
6. Manage capital project budgets and oversee their installation.
7. Develop, engineer, purchase, and install new processing equipment and systems.
8. Prepare RFEs for capital investments aimed at operational improvements and cost savings.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or at least 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Experience managing capital projects, including research, development, design, justification, financial control, installation, and training.
• Proficiency with welding (Arc, MIG, TIG), power transmissions, hydraulics, pneumatics, refrigeration (including ammonia/Freon), HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems, PLC, and VFD.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Mastery of welding techniques (Arc, MIG, TIG) for all alloys.
• Deep knowledge of boilers, pumps, fillers, cappers, sealers, printers, wrapping/packaging equipment, heat exchangers, blenders, and all phases of food processing equipment, including electronically controlled systems.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with vendors, suppliers, and all levels of personnel.

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We produce exclusive products for iconic restaurants and retailers, provide ready-to-go products for professional kitchens, and create well-known consumer brands. Joining Ventura Foods offers comprehensive training, supportive management, a safe environment, and opportunities for growth. We invest in your development as you invest in ours.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage from day one.
• Profit sharing and 401(k) matching (eligibility criteria apply).
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee appreciation events and assistance programs.

Physical Demands:

Jobs require physical strength and dexterity, including sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance. Refer to the specific job description for detailed requirements.

Work Environment:

Refer to the specific job description for environment details. Typical shifts are 8-12 hours, with possible additional hours, including weekends. Employees must wear PPE as required and may work outdoors, in adverse temperatures, or in confined spaces, at heights exceeding 18 feet, and may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, and allergens.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, valuing respect and equal opportunity. We believe a diverse environment fosters innovation and meets customer expectations. Ventura Foods is an equal opportunity employer, considering all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.