Plant Engineer

Socket.dev; Columbia (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Columbia, PA is seeking a Plant Engineer to maintain, improve, and optimize our foundry manufacturing processes, equipment, and infrastructure. You will lead engineering projects, drive reliability, and support continuous improvement across safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering and 5–7 years of experience, with proven capital project management and CAD proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5–7 years of manufacturing or plant engineering experience; foundry or heavy industrial experience preferred.
• Proven experience managing capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD or SolidWorks).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards; Lean/Six Sigma a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant engineering projects involving equipment design, installation, modification, and optimization.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to troubleshoot issues and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Design and oversee improvements in foundry systems, including melt operations, molding, core-making, and sand reclamation.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and schedules; manage contractors and vendors to ensure timely completion.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations across all engineering projects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and process reliability.
• Analyze equipment performance data and drive root cause analysis for recurring failures.
• Prepare and maintain plant documentation, including drawings, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Research and recommend new technologies or methods to enhance production efficiency and sustainability.

Skills

Project management

CAD proficiency

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Plant Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Columbia, PA - Plant

Reporting To: Michael Galvin

Description

The Plant Engineer is responsible for maintaining, improving, and optimizing the foundry’s manufacturing processes, equipment, and infrastructure. This role plays a key part in ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective production by leading engineering projects, supporting equipment reliability, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical foundation, project management experience, and the ability to lead cross-functional efforts to enhance plant performance.

How You Will Help

• Lead plant engineering projects involving equipment design, installation, modification, and optimization.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to troubleshoot issues and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Design and oversee improvements in foundry systems, including melt operations, molding, core-making, and sand reclamation.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and schedules; manage contractors and vendors to ensure timely completion.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations across all engineering projects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, and process reliability.
• Analyze equipment performance data and drive root cause analysis for recurring failures.
• Prepare and maintain plant documentation, including drawings, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Research and recommend new technologies or methods to enhance production efficiency and sustainability.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of manufacturing or plant engineering experience; foundry or heavy industrial experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD or SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies a plus.