Plant Engineer

ZipRecruiter; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in waste management is seeking an experienced Plant Engineer to optimize operations at their Anaerobic Digestion Facility in San Jose. The role includes overseeing wastewater processes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and implementing sustainability practices. Candidates should have a strong engineering background and at least 4 years of experience in industrial facilities, preferably in wastewater treatment.

Benefits

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401K benefits

FSA

Full medical, dental and vision coverage

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in design and operation of industrial facilities.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Professional Engineer license) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize wastewater treatment processes.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable practices.

Skills

Wastewater treatment technologies

Process control systems

Troubleshooting skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree (a plus)

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Title: Plant Engineer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Manager

Pay: $110,000-$140,000/yr.

About the Company:

GreenWaste has been an industry leader in recycling and waste diversion for more than 35 years and is on a growth trajectory after private equity investment in 2021. Our business was founded on principles of environmental sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of our ongoing operations and growth strategy. GreenWaste specializes in all aspects of material collection, processing, and sales, tailoring our service offerings to the unique needs of our customers and communities, and helping to shape the evolution of the solid waste and recycling industry. We work directly with 20+ municipalities and 50+ jurisdictions, operate highly regulated facilities in 10+ locations, and have 1,000+ employees.

We are seeking an experienced, successful, and engaged Plant Engineer with a background in wastewater or refinery operations to join our team. This position is expected to work out of our office at 685 Los Esteros Rd in San Jose and limited job-related travel may be required.

Position Summary:

GreenWaste is seeking to fill the position of Plant Engineer to provide support to one or more facilities. This role’s main function involves working at our Anaerobic Digestion Facility, where you will oversee and optimize the anaerobic digestion process, ensure safe and efficient operation of treatment systems, plan long term upgrades for plant equipment and infrastructure, and contribute to environmental sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of civil and environmental engineering principles, wastewater treatment processes, and a commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Monitor and optimize wastewater treatment processes, including chemical dosing, filtration, coagulation, flocculation, biological and sedimentation, to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collect process water samples and analyze the analytical results to maintain optimal conditions for anaerobic digestion.
• Oversee the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals used in wastewater treatment, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and environmental guidelines.
• Diagnose and resolve operational issues related to chemical dosing systems, filtration equipment, and other treatment processes, working closely with plant operators to ensure minimal downtime.
• Maintain a library of plant schematics and be a source of knowledge for the operations and maintenance teams.
• Work in conjunction with the plant maintenance team to optimize the maintenance intervals on gas and liquid conveyance pipelines and pumps to ensure the long term reliability of the plant.
• Review plant performance data (flow rates, process water usage, treatment efficacy) and prepare detailed reports on process efficiency, recommending corrective actions or improvements as needed.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations regarding air emissions, wastewater discharge and treatment, including preparing for audits and inspections.
• Set a long-term vision for capital upgrades, including process upgrades, equipment installations, or system expansions.
• Work with cross-functional teams (operations, maintenance, safety) to implement best practices, provide training on new technologies, and foster continuous improvement in plant operations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable practices within the plant, including waste minimization, energy conservation, and water reuse efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of wastewater treatment technologies.
• Proficient in process control systems, chemical dosing, and treatment plant operations.
• Proficient in the design and operation of pipeline systems including maintenance and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations, including air regulations and wastewater treatment standards.
• Previous experience in the design or operation of SCADA system is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with teams and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
• 4+ years of experience in design and operation of industrial facilities, preferably within a wastewater treatment plant, refinery or other water treatment/industrial processes.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Professional Engineer license, Water/Wastewater Operator certification) are a plus.

Skill:

• Proficiency in English

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in a plant environment, including occasional exposure to chemicals, odors, high-pressure systems, and outdoor conditions.

Work Environment:

Full-time position with occasional weekend or on-call hours required.

Compensation and Benefits:

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience. GreenWaste offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, holiday pay, 401K benefits, FSA, and full employee coverage for medical, dental and vision insurance.

This Organization participates in E-Verify.

GreenWaste provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to , , , , , , status, genetics, protected veteran status, , or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.