Plant Engineer

POET; Hanlontown (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

401(k) with company match

PTO & holidays

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

POET is seeking a Plant Engineer to partner with management at bioprocessing facilities, ensuring smooth operations and leading continuous improvement initiatives. You will manage capital projects, analyze process data, and drive cost-saving improvements across sites.

The role requires a mechanical or chemical engineering background, leadership experience, and familiarity with DCS systems. Expect a dynamic, safety-focused environment with opportunities for growth in a large, earth-friendly

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (other engineering degrees considered).
• Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain or chemical processing.
• Prior leadership and project management experience.
• Experience with DCS control and DCS historian systems.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations (bonus).
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to understand technical details and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and learning new programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively at all levels.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Objective thinking in uncertain situations.
• Self-awareness.
• Team-player attitude.

Responsibilities

• Develop, present, and manage capital request projects and economic justifications for site leadership
• Identify opportunities for plant improvements and collaborate with engineers to implement cost-saving projects across facilities
• Complete and present data analysis of process information, creating action plans and identifying optimization needs
• Assist with facility shutdown planning and execution
• Use problem-solving skills with facility leadership and fellow engineers to address operational and troubleshooting challenges
• Develop advanced knowledge in specific unit operations and serve as a subject-matter expert
• Support Management of Change and Process Safety Management documentation
• Create annual strategic plan initiatives for the site
• Develop and utilize historical database reports
• Write and coordinate procedures, communicating them to team members
• Facilitate communication between departments
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance
• Maintain a team environment and champion POET in the community
• Advance food safety and quality to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality

Skills

Leadership experience

Project management

DCS control systems

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team player

Adaptable

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Other engineering degrees considered

Tools

DCS historian systems

Job description

About POET

At POET, we are committed to being good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources into energy and other valuable products as efficiently as possible. For over thirty years, our passion for change has positioned us as the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a global leader in sustainable products.

Benefits & Perks

• 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 Day1, plus a biweekly PTO accrual program
• Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, and vision insurance with a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold‑weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well‑being
• Family‑first culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Plant Engineer works closely with the management team at one or more bioprocessing facilities to maintain plant operations, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and oversee capital projects.

• Develop, present, and manage capital request projects and economic justifications for site leadership
• Identify opportunities for plant improvements and collaborate with engineers to implement cost‑saving projects across facilities
• Complete and present data analysis of process information, creating action plans and identifying optimization needs
• Assist with facility shutdown planning and execution
• Use problem‑solving skills with facility leadership and fellow engineers to address operational and troubleshooting challenges
• Develop advanced knowledge in specific unit operations and serve as a subject‑matter expert
• Support Management of Change and Process Safety Management documentation
• Create annual strategic plan initiatives for the site
• Develop and utilize historical database reports
• Write and coordinate procedures, communicating them to team members
• Facilitate communication between departments
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance
• Maintain a team environment and champion POET in the community
• Advance food safety and quality to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (other engineering degrees considered)
• Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain or chemical processing
• Prior leadership and project management experience
• Experience with DCS control and DCS historian systems
• Working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations (bonus)
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills
• Ability to understand technical details and day‑to‑day operation of a bioprocessing facility
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and learning new programs
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively at all levels
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Objective thinking in uncertain situations
• Self‑awareness
• Team‑player attitude

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The work environment at POET is dynamic, involving both office and field duties with physical labor. Key requirements include:

• Wearing PPE such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, respirators, hazardous material suits, hearing protection, and harnesses
• Working at extreme heights (≈150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures from -20°F to +100°F
• Operating equipment: forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, hand tools, computers
• Standing, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, and performing awkward postures and repetitive motions
• Lifting up to 50lbs; pushing up to 10lbs; pulling up to 85lbs
• Assisting other roles with unique physical requirements as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made 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.