Job Role Description

Engineering > Plant Engineer

Salary National Average

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1.0000 1.0000 1.0000

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Short Description:

A Plant Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving the mechanical, electrical, and structural systems within a manufacturing or industrial facility. They oversee equipment performance, implement preventive maintenance programs, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure efficient and safe operations. The role involves collaborating with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to optimize processes and support continuous improvement initiatives. Plant Engineers help maintain operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Strong technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, and maintain engineering systems, processes, and equipment within the plant to optimize production efficiency
  • Monitor and improve operational performance, ensuring machinery and processes meet quality and safety standards
  • Oversee installation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, and control systems in the plant
  • Conduct regular inspections, troubleshoot equipment issues, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime
  • Collaborate with production, maintenance, and quality teams to develop process improvements and cost-saving initiatives
  • Prepare technical reports, documentation, and operational analyses for management review
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards within plant operations
  • Assist in budgeting, resource allocation, and procurement of equipment and materials for plant operations
  • Lead or support projects related to plant expansions, upgrades, or process modifications
  • Provide technical guidance and training to plant staff on equipment operation, maintenance, and safety practices

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred for advanced roles
  • Experience: 3–7 years of experience in plant engineering, maintenance, or operations
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of plant processes, machinery, automation systems, and industrial engineering principles
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement effective engineering solutions
  • Analytical Skills: Competence in process analysis, performance metrics, and operational optimization
  • Safety Awareness: In-depth knowledge of workplace safety, OSHA regulations, and environmental compliance
  • Communication: Effective verbal and written skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and reporting findings
  • Project Management: Ability to plan, schedule, and execute engineering projects while managing resources and timelines efficiently

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. 
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. 
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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