Plant Engineering Director

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

Job summary

Calqulate Metrics Ltd in Sioux Falls, SD is seeking a Plant Engineering Director to lead maintenance and engineering in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime while implementing preventive, predictive maintenance and TPM to drive reliability.

This senior role requires deep technical knowledge across mechanical and electrical systems, leadership of large teams, and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear action plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and 10+ years in engineering management.
• Master's degree and 8+ years experience will be considered qualified.
• 5+ years leadership experience including team development.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems (PLCs, instrumentation).
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems and TPM.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, planning, and adaptability.
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends.
• Experience with pork products and meat industry preferred.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion, ensuring safety and standards.
• Minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities.
• Develop and execute advanced maintenance strategies including preventive and predictive maintenance and TPM.
• Lead and develop the maintenance team with safety-first planning.
• Solve daily operational issues and implement long-term fixes.
• Develop and track KPIs for equipment reliability, supplier performance, and OEE.
• Collaborate with HR to build a diverse, empowered workforce.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance planning

TPM

Preventive maintenance

Predictive maintenance

Electro-mechanical

SAP

PLC

Safety leadership

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering/Business

Tools

SAP

PLC systems

Instrumentation

Job description

Job Title: Plant Engineering Director

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Salary: $160-210K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Plant Engineering Director: 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 of the Plant Engineering Director:

• 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 of the Plant Engineering Director:

• 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.