Plant Engineer

Big River Resources, LLC; West Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Big River Resources, LLC seeks a Plant Engineer to initiate and support facility improvement projects at the home plant, enabling safe and efficient operations. The role focuses on continuous improvement initiatives across the facility and collaboration within the Big River group.

The engineer will drive production efficiency, monitor data, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, FSMA, and process safety requirements. On-site at the designated facility with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Engineering or similar technical degree with relevant experience (Chemical/Mechanical preferred).
• At least 2 years in engineering, chemical, or processing environments; dry-mill ethanol plant experience a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; strong data analysis skills (JMP or similar).
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication abilities for 24/7 operations.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, support, and execute projects to improve production, efficiency, yield, and operating costs.
• Review data to monitor production and quality and identify improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement short/long-term solutions.
• Coordinate with Efficiencies Team and serve as a facility technical resource for compliance (OSHA, EPA, FSMA).
• Maintain updated plant drawings, balances, and block flow diagrams; assist on-site contractors and travel as needed.
• Support 25% travel to other Big River facilities for larger projects and training.

Skills

Engineering degree

2+ years experience

Data analysis (JMP)

Microsoft Office

Change agent mindset

On-site work

Travel readiness

Effective communication

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

The Plant Engineer position initiates, supports, and executes facility improvement projects being the primary project resource at their home facility. The Plant Engineer is a technical resource in supporting operations to help ensure safe and efficient operations. The Plant Engineer will help identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives at the facility as well as being part of a larger group helping to share and learn for the improvement of all Big River facilities.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Engineering or similar technical degree, with relevant experience, prefer Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• At least 2 years experience in an engineering, chemical, or processing environment. Dry-mill ethanol plant experience a plus
• Organizational, time management, and communication skills to function in a 24/7 operations environment
• Ability to maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office required
• Experience with data analysis, including JMP or similar programs
• Project Management experience is a plus, but not required
• Ability to work on-site at designated facility
• Ability to travel as required
• Be an agent of change

Reporting to this position:

None

Position Responsibilities

• Initiate, support, and execute opportunities and projects to improve production, efficiency, yield, and operating costs.
• Review operational data to monitor production and quality, anticipate solving problems in a timely manner, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in troubleshooting operational challenges and finding short and long term solutions to ensure ongoing efficient operations.
• Assist Efficiencies Team as a facility stakeholder for projects and initiatives
• Be a technical resource for the facility, helping drive OSHA, EPA, FSMA, and other regulatory compliance
• Assist Facility Management with Process Safety Management compliance, including the Management of Change process, the Pre-Startup Safety Reviews, Involvement in Process Hazard Analysis and Incident Investigation, and helping to maintain appropriate records.
• Maintain updated plant P&ID drawings, material and energy balances, and block flow diagrams to ensure the plant is accurately represented.
• Assist in coordinating and directing on-site contractors and other personnel
• While this position will be based at one "home" plant, up to 25% travel could be required for this position to support other Big River facilities dependent on larger company projects, activities, and to attend meetings, conferences, or other training opportunities
• Overnight travel will be required
• Teamwork is critical at Big River. Your skills may be put to a lot of other use

Physical Demands and work environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Some areas have been designated areas to use hearing protection. Hard hats and safety glasses are required in designated areas.