Plant Engineer

One Degree Agriculture; Wahpeton (ND); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

One Degree Ag in Wahpeton, North Dakota, seeks a Plant Engineer to support daily operations at a dry-mill ethanol facility. The role focuses on optimizing production efficiency, improving plant performance, managing engineering projects, and sustaining safe, consistent operations.

The engineer will identify capital investments, monitor KPIs, and partner with production leadership to drive performance. Strong mechanical/chemical background and MOC experience are essential to succeed.

Qualifications

• Requires strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills across organizational levels.
• Experience with process optimization and capital projects.
• Proficiency in data analysis and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Identify and execute capital projects and process improvements to increase efficiency, production, and profitability.
• Monitor production KPIs, analyze operating data, and identify opportunities to improve yields, uptime, and resource utilization.
• Coordinate shift operations with production leadership and maintain performance expectations.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, engineering drawings, and process documentation.
• Lead Process Safety Management activities including MOC, safety reviews, hazard analyses, and incident investigations.
• Assist with regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, FSMA).
• Coordinate maintenance shutdown planning, project scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Support employee training, performance management, and ongoing operational improvements.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

DCS

Aspen

ChemCAD

Job description

Location: Wahpeton, North Dakota, United States

Our client is seeking a Plant Engineer to support daily operations and drive capital investments and continuous improvement initiatives at a dry-mill ethanol facility. This position will focus on optimizing production efficiency, improving plant performance, managing engineering projects, and supporting safe, consistent operations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and execute capital projects and process improvements to increase efficiency, production, and profitability
• Monitor production KPIs, analyze operating data, and identify opportunities to improve yields, uptime, and resource utilization
• Partner with production leadership to coordinate shift operations, establish performance expectations, and maintain operational consistency
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, engineering drawings, and process documentation
• Lead Process Safety Management activities, including management of change, safety reviews, hazard analysis, and incident investigations
• Support regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, and FSMA requirements
• Coordinate maintenance shutdown planning, project scheduling, and operational resource allocation
• Assist with employee training, performance management, and ongoing operational improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required
• Strong understanding of chemical, food, or fuel manufacturing processes required
• Capital project management experience required, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence teams
• Minimum 2 years of dry-mill ethanol plant operations experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, database development, data analysis, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Experience with process modeling software, including Aspen or ChemCAD, preferred
• Familiarity with pressure vessels, relief systems, ASME standards, and API guidelines preferred
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively across all organizational levels