Plant Engineering Director

Tom Trese; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Tom Trese is seeking a Plant Engineering Director in Sioux Falls, SD. This role involves leading maintenance and engineering efforts in a fast-paced plant environment, ensuring peak equipment performance through advanced maintenance strategies. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and extensive experience in management, with the ability to lead and inspire teams while driving continuous improvement through strategic initiatives. A salary range of $160-210K plus bonus is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Engineering management or equivalent.
• 5+ years’ experience in a leadership position.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems and TPM.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion.
• Manage all phases to enhance plant capabilities.
• Implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement through Key Performance Indicators.
• Develop and lead high-performing engineering teams.

Skills

Advanced technical skills in mechanical/electrical fields

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

High level of written and oral communication skills

Ability to communicate technical ideas to non-technical audience

Strong interpersonal and presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field

Master's degree in Engineering or Business (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SAP

Job description

Job Title: Plant Engineering Director

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Salary: $160-210K plus bonus

Job Summary

As the head of Maintenance and Engineering in a fast-paced plant, you’ll ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime. You’ll implement advanced systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance and TPM, propelling our plant toward high performance.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion—on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards.
• Manage all phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through impactful, strategic improvements.
• Drive the development and execution of advanced maintenance strategies—including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance and TPM—to keep operations running at peak performance.
• Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective task delegation, policy enforcement, and safety-first planning.
• Become the ultimate problem solver for daily operational challenges. From troubleshooting to long-term fixes, your proactive approach will minimize recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of the maintenance function. From equipment reliability to supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness, your insights will be crucial for maintaining peak performance across all areas of the plant.
• Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR. Foster a culture of safety, communication, and recognition while building a diverse, empowered workforce.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Candidates with a Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
• 5+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical/electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.
• Knowledge of different pork products and the Meat Industry, preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.