Plant Engineer

CM Search Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

CM Search Services seeks an experienced Plant Engineer to lead engineering at the facility in Houston, TX. This role focuses on design, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement of plant systems and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is a licensed PE with 5–8 years of relevant experience, capable of directing cross‑functional teams and collaborating with operations, EHS, and quality to meet regulatory and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred); other engineering disciplines may be considered with relevant plant/industrial experience.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong analytical skills

Hands-on

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

PE license

Tools

CMMS

CAD software

P&IDs reading

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
• Experience with automation/controls systems (PLCs, SCADA) a plus