Plant Engineering Director

Software Placement Group, SPG; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group (SPG) is assisting a leading food manufacturer in Sioux Falls, SD to hire a Plant Engineering Director to lead maintenance and engineering operations. This role focuses on equipment reliability, safety, and advancing maintenance programs in a fast-paced production environment.

You will oversee capital projects, drive TPM, preventive and predictive maintenance, develop KPI metrics, and lead high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field with 10+ years in Engineering management
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field with 8+ years of experience
• 5+ years in a leadership position including team development and management
• Advanced technical skills in mechanical/electrical fields (PLCs, instrumentation) and large-scale manufacturing
• Knowledge of maintenance systems, work orders, preventive/predictive maintenance, and TPM
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion on time and on budget with safety, food safety, and environmental standards
• Manage all project phases to minimize disruption and enhance plant capabilities
• Drive development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance and TPM
• Lead and develop maintenance team through coaching and performance management
• Serve as primary problem solver for daily operational challenges and long-term fixes
• Develop and track KPIs for maintenance, supplier performance, and OEE
• Collaborate with HR to foster a safe, communicative, and high-performing culture

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

PLCs

Instrumentation

Team leadership

SAP

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business

Master's degree in Engineering/Business

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Sioux Falls, SD | Schedule: full-time, on-site | Compensation: $160,000-$210,000 plus bonus

Overview

An established food manufacturer is seeking a Plant Engineering Director to lead maintenance and engineering operations at a fast-paced production facility. This role will drive equipment reliability, implement advanced maintenance strategies, and shape the plant's long-term engineering capabilities.

What you'll do

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion-on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards
• Manage all project phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through 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
• Serve as the primary problem solver for daily operational challenges, using troubleshooting and long-term fixes to minimize recurring issues
• Develop and track Key Performance Indicators measuring maintenance function success, including equipment reliability, supplier performance, and overall equipment effectiveness
• Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR, fostering a culture of safety, communication, and recognition

Required qualifications

• 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
• Alternatively, a Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience
• 5+ years' experience in a leadership position, including team development and management
• Advanced technical skills in mechanical/electrical fields (e.g., PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering) with the ability to lead resource planning in a large manufacturing environment
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order processes, preventive/predictive maintenance, and TPM
• 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
• May be required to work long hours and weekends
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of different pork products and the meat industry

Compensation and benefits

• $160,000-$210,000 plus bonus

Why this role

This is an opportunity to lead engineering and maintenance strategy at a fast-paced manufacturing plant, driving capital projects and advanced maintenance programs while building and developing a high-performing team.