Plant Engineer

Poet-; Chancellor (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

PTO & holidays

Health, dental, vision

401K match

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

POET seeks a Plant Engineer in Chancellor, SD to work on-site with operations and leadership to maintain plant performance and lead capital projects. You will identify improvement opportunities, analyze process data, and drive cost-saving initiatives across bioprocessing facilities.

The role requires a mechanical/chemical engineering background, experience with DCS systems, strong project management, and the ability to work across teams to ensure safe, compliant plant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience in operating processing plant environment.
• Leadership and project management experience.
• Knowledge of DCS control systems.
• Familiarity with OSHA/EPA regulations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, present, and manage capital projects with economic justifications for site leadership teams.
• Identify opportunities for plant improvements and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete data analysis of process information and create action plans.
• Assist with facility shutdown planning and execution and change management.
• Collaborate with field engineers, site leadership, and corporate office to resolve operational challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

DCS control

DCS historian

MS Office

Communication

Safety regs

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Chemical Eng

Tools

SCADA

MS Excel

Job description

ABOUT POETAt POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.BENEFITS & PERKSEligible Team Members may receive$$ Competitive BONUS opportunities - up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contributionCompetitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions401K with company matchPaid Parental LeaveTuition reimbursementAttractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locationsSafety and cold weather gear reimbursementsDiscounted home and auto insuranceAll POET Team Members enjoyA multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually'Family-first' cultureOnsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursementsJOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIESThe Plant Engineer is responsible for working closely with the management team at one or more bioprocessing facilities to maintain plant operations and to implement continuous improvement and capital projects. The Plant Engineer increases efficiencies of plant operations, maintains plant run time, implements system improvements, troubleshoots process problems, and considers cost factors.This is an on-site role located in Chancellor, SD. Responsibilities include:Develop, present, and manage capital request projects and economic justifications for site and Sioux Falls leadership team membersIdentify opportunities for plant improvements and work with a team of engineers to initiate and implement continuous improvement and cost savings projects. These projects may apply to one or more facilities across the POET footprint.Complete and present data analysis of process information and create associated action plans and identify optimization needsAssist with facility shutdown planning and executionExercise your problem-solving skills working with the bioprocessing facility’s leadership team and fellow engineers in the field and at our corporate office to review operational and troubleshooting challengesDevelop advanced knowledge in specific unit operations and become a Subject Matter Expert that teams can rely on for process expertiseSupport the Management of Change and Process Safety Management documentation for the facilityAssist with creating annual strategic plan initiatives for the siteDevelop and utilize historical database reportsWrite and coordinate procedures, and communicate to team members as necessaryFacilitate communication between departmentsFoster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all timesMaintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the communitySince we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLSA Bachelor’s degree or greater in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Other engineering degrees will be considered.Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain processing or chemical processing is beneficialIf you’ve had prior leadership and project management, we’ll leverage those strengths frequentlyExperience with DCS control and DCS historian systemsWorking knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations is considered an added bonusExcellent organizational, time management, and communication skills and you not only welcome change, but you embrace itThe ability to understand technical detail and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facilityKnowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVEInterpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organizationDemonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skillsAbility to embrace and promote changeInnovative mindsetAbility to think objectivelySelf-awareness in the face of uncertaintyAbility to work in a team environmentPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members. This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, respirators (depending on the location), hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.Frequently:Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plantWalk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfacesCarry to up to 15lbsClimb stairs and/or laddersStand indoors to clean and maintain areasReach at arm’s length to gather samplesBe in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positionsUse coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbsBend while standingUse repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work areaClimb in and out of Powered Industrial VehiclesOccasionally:Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistanceCarry up to 40 lbs, with our without assistancePush with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistancePull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistanceBend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium weighted objectsSince we are all about team work, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique set of physical requirements.Due to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.CULTURE IS KING AT POETWe’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIESAt POET we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.