Plant Engineer

CM Search; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CM Search seeks an experienced licensed Plant Engineer to lead all engineering functions at a facility, focusing on design, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement of plant systems, equipment, and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate holds a PE license and combines technical expertise with hands-on leadership to keep operations running safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or related discipline with plant/industrial experience
• Active PE license
• 5–8 years of engineering experience
• Strong working knowledge of applicable codes and standards
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects from design through startup
• Proven ability to read and develop technical drawings, P&IDs
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant engineering activities for mechanical, electrical, structural, and process systems
• Lead capital improvement projects from concept through commissioning
• Develop and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability
• Ensure all plant systems and modifications comply with OSHA, EPA, local building codes, and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to maintenance technicians and junior engineering staff
• Participate in incident investigations and support the facility's safety culture
• Serve as a technical resource during audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews

Skills

PE license

Capital projects

Reading drawings

Analytical skills

Cross-functional communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

CAD software

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and licensed Plant Engineer to lead all engineering functions at our facility. This is a high-impact role responsible for the design, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement of plant systems, equipment, and infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) who combines strong technical expertise with hands-on leadership to keep operations running safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering activities for the plant, including mechanical, electrical, structural, and process systems
• Serve as the site's licensed Professional Engineer of record, reviewing and stamping engineering drawings, calculations, and documentation as required by state law
• Lead capital improvement projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management
• Develop and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime
• Ensure all plant systems and modifications comply with OSHA, EPA, local building codes, and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Conduct root cause analysis on equipment failures and process deviations; implement corrective and preventive actions
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, and Quality teams to identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage relationships with outside engineering firms, equipment vendors, and contractors
• Develop engineering specifications, standards, and procedures for the facility
• Support energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost-reduction initiatives
• Prepare and manage the engineering department's operating and capital budgets
• Lead or support facility expansion, equipment installation, and process automation projects
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for equipment, drawings, permits, and inspections
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to maintenance technicians and junior engineering staff
• Participate in incident investigations and support the facility's safety culture
• Serve as a technical resource during audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred); other engineering disciplines (Electrical, Chemical, Civil, Industrial) will be considered with relevant plant/industrial experience
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Minimum of [5--8] years of engineering experience
• Strong working knowledge of applicable codes and standards
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects from design through startup
• Proven ability to read and develop technical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specifications
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and CAD software
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Project management certification (PMP) a plus
• Experience with automation/controls systems (PLCs, SCADA) a plus