Plant Engineer

Kemira; Fontana (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Life/disability insurance

401k retirement plan with company match

Job summary

Kemira in Fontana, California is seeking a Plant Engineer to oversee the maintenance function at our chemical manufacturing facility. This role is vital for ensuring plant reliability and performance. Ideal candidates will have a solid background in work order-based maintenance systems and a passion for establishing world-class maintenance practices.

The successful applicant will lead a team of maintenance technicians, implement maintenance programs, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. A Bachelor's degree in a related field and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in industrial maintenance.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory role in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience with work order systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve a work order-based maintenance system.
• Implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Supervise and coach maintenance technicians.
• Collaborate to address maintenance needs and improve uptime.
• Ensure compliance with EHS regulations.

Skills

Work order-based maintenance systems

Leadership

Communication

Team-building

Knowledge of OSHA, PSM, EPA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

We are looking for a Plant Engineer to lead the maintenance function at our chemical manufacturing facility. This role is critical to ensuring plant reliability, safety, and performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in work order-based maintenance systems, and a passion for implementing and sustaining world-class maintenance practices, including preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance strategies.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Develop, lead, and continuously improve a work order-based maintenance system to plan, schedule, and execute maintenance activities efficiently and effectively.
• Implement and sustain world-class maintenance practices, including preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of skilled maintenance technicians to ensure timely, high-quality execution of all maintenance work.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and safety teams to identify and address maintenance needs, improve equipment uptime, and drive operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety (EHS), and regulatory requirements, particularly those relevant to chemical plant operations.
• Utilize SAP to track work orders, equipment history, performance metrics, and KPIs.
• Lead and support capital projects, turnarounds, and equipment upgrades as needed.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Champion safety and risk management across all maintenance activities.
• Any other duties as assigned

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in industrial maintenance, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role within a chemical or process manufacturing environment.
• Experience in developing and managing work order systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and safety standards (OSHA, PSM, EPA, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, contractors, and cross‑functional projects.

Preferred:

• Certifications in maintenance or reliability (e.g., CMRP, CRL, PMP).
• Experience with PSM (Process Safety Management) environments.
• Familiarity with Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Reliability Engineering.

What you can expect from us:

• Work with a global company that is committed to innovation, cares for people and dedicated to customer success.
• Opportunity for personal and professional growth.
• Attractive benefits package compensation.
• A multicultural and positive working environment.

The starting salary range for consideration for this position is $85,000 to $110,000 per year with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses. The actual starting salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant employment history & experience, skill set/competencies, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance, paid time off, life/disability insurance and a 401k retirement plan (which includes a company match).