Plant Engineer

Job Title

Plant Engineer

The Plant Engineer will report directly to the Plant Manager and work closely with corporate engineering to support the plant management team in daily operations. Acting as the primary contact with the corporate engineering team, the Plant Engineer will serve as the lead technical manager, providing guidance to the maintenance, technical, and continuous improvement departments. This role is crucial in bringing method, structure, and consistency, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and various engineering processes.

The Plant Engineer will contribute to production growth by recommending equipment that ensures operational efficiency, safety, quality, and long-term profitability.

• Act as the technical manager guiding maintenance, technical, and improvement teams.
• Accept ownership of all automation initiatives.
• Prepare bid packages, collaborate with Purchasing on contracts, and manage contractor activities.
• Develop sound and cost-effective solutions to operational problems.
• Assess feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering solutions.
• Serve as the liaison with engineering consulting services, vendors, and corporate engineering management.
• Prepare capital investment requests by determining the best equipment design and facility layout, developing estimates, and providing justification for expenditures.
• Manage contractor engineering activities and oversee management of delivery schedules, warranties, liquidated damages, and performance guarantees.
• Coordinate start-up and commissioning of new equipment with operations.
• Test newly installed machines and equipment to ensure contract specifications are met.
• Maintain the plant in a safe and productive state to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Review budget projections and schedule forecasts to ensure projects are completed on‑time and on‑budget.
• Provide engineering support during emergencies to maintain, alter, or curtail operations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or a related Engineering field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing project management and/or plant maintenance experience.
• 5+ years of experience preparing bid packages, working with Purchasing on contracts, and managing contractor activities.
• Expertise in Microsoft 365 suite of applications.
• Expertise in AutoCAD and/or design modeling software.

• 5+ years of experience with critical building infrastructure and systems.
• Familiarity with Allen‑Bradley and Siemens control systems.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.
• 3+ years of managerial experience.
• Experience in the food or pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

The Plant Engineer will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment that requires interaction with multiple departments. The role involves overseeing contractor activities and coordinating with operations for equipment start‑up and commissioning. The position demands adherence to health and safety standards to maintain a productive work environment.

Contract to Hire position based out of Kingsport, TN.

The pay range for this position is $ - $/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:
This is a fully onsite position in Kingsport, TN. Final date to receive applications:
This position is anticipated to close…