Plant Engineer

Jones-Hamilton Co.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones-Hamilton Co. is seeking a Plant Engineer to lead the safe, reliable operation of chemical processes and plant equipment in a hands‑on role.

You will work closely with operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors to troubleshoot issues, drive continuous improvement, and support day‑to‑day operations. You will apply process knowledge, manage capital projects from concept through commissioning, and ensure compliance with EHS and regulatory standards while collaborating across functions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing or similar industrial environment.
• Experience with third‑party engineering firms and contractor management.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processing systems and unit operations.
• Familiarity with PSM requirements.
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems and process control concepts preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering a safe and efficient work environment.
• Must pass drug screening as required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to plant operations to ensure consistent, efficient, and safe production.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability.
• Lead small‑to‑medium capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and ISO requirements.
• Monitor process KPIs and drive improvements in yield, throughput, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Communication skills

Priorities management

PSM knowledge

DCS/PLC knowledge

Compliance knowledge

Contractor management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Core Description: The Plant Engineer is a hands‑on operational leader responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of chemical manufacturing processes and plant equipment. This role spends the majority of its time in the plant environment working directly alongside operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors to troubleshoot issues, resolve production challenges, and support day‑to‑day operations. Serving as a key technical resource, the Plant Engineer is actively involved in identifying and addressing problems as they arise, driving continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing asset reliability, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to plant operations to ensure consistent, efficient, and safe production.
• Troubleshoot process issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability.
• Lead small‑to‑medium capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and ISO requirements.
• Monitor process KPIs and drive improvements in yield, throughput, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing or similar industrial environment.
• Experience working with third‑party engineering firms and managing contractor relationships.
• Strong knowledge of chemical processing systems and unit operations.
• Familiarity with Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements.
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems and process control concepts preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering a safe and efficient work environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Must pass drug screening as required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• The job requires working in a manufacturing plant environment, which may involve exposure to chemicals, fumes, and loud noises.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects, such as equipment components and chemical containers, weighing up to 50 pounds or more. The ability to perform physical tasks consistently throughout the shift is essential.
• Must have the agility and flexibility to move around the manufacturing plant, including climbing stairs, ladders (up to 140’), and platforms as needed. The job may require working in confined spaces and awkward positions to access equipment and perform tasks.
• Must be in good physical health with no medical conditions that would prevent the safe performance of job duties. This includes the ability to withstand exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other potentially hazardous substances with proper personal protective equipment, including but not limited to masks or respirators.
• Must have adequate vision and hearing to detect equipment malfunctions, read gauges and displays, and communicate effectively with team members. Corrective eyewear and hearing protection may be required in certain areas of the plant.
• Must maintain a constant awareness of safety hazards and follow all safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and using safety harnesses and fall protection when working at heights.
• Must be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and noise levels, while maintaining focus and attention to detail.

This job advertisement should not be interpreted as all‑inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of a job. The individual may be required to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.

This advertisement does not constitute an employment agreement between Jones‑Hamilton Co. and the employee and is subject to change by Jones‑Hamilton Co. as the needs of the organization and/or the requirements of the function change.

Pay is commensurate with experience and education. Jones‑Hamilton Co. is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on an employee’s race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any other classification protected by law.