Plant Engineer: Lead Safe, Reliable Operations & Projects

Veteran Hiring Solutions

Durham (NC)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid time off (vacation, holidays, PTO)

Employee discount programs

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

A leading defense contracting company based in Durham, NC is seeking a Plant Engineer to ensure safe and efficient operations of a specialty gas manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, proficiency in AutoCAD, and at least three years of relevant engineering experience. This hands-on role focuses on executing engineering projects, improving plant reliability, and ensuring compliance. Competitive compensation ranges from $75,000 to $110,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

Must have served in the U.S. military.
Minimum 3 years of engineering experience in a plant or industrial environment.
Project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute detailed engineering project plans.
Troubleshoot and resolve engineering issues in live plant environments.
Oversee new equipment installations and commissioning.

Skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D)

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Creative problem solver

Detail-oriented self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred)

Tools

Inventor (3D)

Job description

Imagine being able to meet your leader BEFORE applying!

Click the following link to meet and hear from the leader about this specific role; https://youtu.be/B4x57Ivr2wI

Mission of the Role

The Plant Engineer ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a specialty gas manufacturing facility supporting advanced industries. This role exists to protect operational continuity, drive technical excellence, and lead engineering initiatives that directly impact safety, compliance, and plant performance.

This is a hands-on engineering leadership position inside the plant—supporting daily operations while executing projects from concept through start-up.

What Success Looks Like (Performance Objectives)

Within the first 12–18 months, the Plant Engineer will:

Deliver Safe, Compliant Operations

Ensure all plant and equipment inspections, testing, and maintenance meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer specifications.
Actively participate in safety programs, final field inspections, HAZOPs, and FMEAs.

Execute Engineering Projects End-to-End

Develop project plans, define requirements, sequence activities, control schedules and budgets.
Lead plant-based projects from design through commissioning while coordinating cross-functional stakeholders.

Improve Plant Reliability & Efficiency

Troubleshoot process equipment issues and implement sustainable solutions.
Identify root causes and deploy improvements that enhance uptime and operational consistency.

Lead Mechanical Integrity & Contractor Safety Programs

Oversee process safety mechanical integrity initiatives.
Manage contractor safety compliance and hazardous/universal waste activities.

Design & Optimize Systems

Create equipment layouts and mechanical drawings using AutoCAD (2D) and Inventor (2D/3D).
Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to ensure optimal, safe system design.

Serve as Technical Liaison

Partner with plant management, safety, quality, procurement, and corporate process safety teams to align plant initiatives with broader operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute detailed engineering project plans
Determine technical requirements from customer specs and performance standards
Control project budgets and approve expenditures
Manage schedule changes and recommend corrective actions
Troubleshoot and resolve engineering issues in live plant environments
Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and equipment modifications
Oversee new equipment installations and commissioning
Support regulatory compliance (EPA, safety standards, electrical codes)
Contribute to the continuous improvement of standard operating procedures

This role requires consistent on-site presence during core operating hours. As an exempt, salaried position, work hours may extend beyond standard schedules to meet operational demands, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Growth Path

This role sits within a structured engineering organization that includes plant engineers, process engineers, and project execution teams. As experience grows, engineers can expand into larger, more complex capital projects, process engineering roles, or plant-level engineering leadership.

Why This Role Matters

This position directly supports critical manufacturing operations that serve advanced technology and specialty industries. The work is technically demanding, safety-driven, and never routine. Engineers in this environment solve real-world problems daily—protecting people, sustaining operations, and pushing performance forward.

If you are a technically grounded engineer who thrives in operational environments and takes ownership beyond your job description, this is a role where your leadership will matter.

Requirements

What Makes You Successful

Education & Experience

Must have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Reserves, or U.S. National Guard.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred; Chemical considered)
Minimum 3 years of engineering experience in a plant or industrial environment
Project management experience preferred

Technical Capability

Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D) and Inventor (3D/2D)
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project
Familiarity with process equipment, mechanical systems, and regulatory compliance

Leadership Traits