Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (or related field)
Experience in operating processing plants, particularly grain or chemical processing
Prior leadership experience and project management skills
Familiarity with DCS control systems and historians
Knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations is a plus
Strong organizational, time management, and communication abilities
Understanding of technical details in bioprocessing facilities
Responsibilities
Develop and manage capital request projects for leadership
Identify and implement plant improvement and cost-saving initiatives
Analyze process data to create actionable optimization plans
Assist in facility shutdowns planning and execution
Collaborate with leadership and engineers to address operational issues
Become a Subject Matter Expert in specific unit operations
Ensure compliance with Management of Change and Process Safety Management
Benefits
On-site role with dynamic work environment
Opportunities for professional development and project leadership
Team-oriented workplace fostering collaboration and communication
Support for community engagement and environmental compliance
Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives across facilities
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Plant Engineer is responsible for working closely with the management team at one or more bioprocessing facilities to maintain plant operations and to implement continuous improvement and capital projects. The Plant Engineer increases efficiencies of plant operations, maintains plant run time, implements system improvements, troubleshoots process problems, and considers cost factors.
This is an on-site role located in Iowa Falls, IA. Responsibilities include:
Develop, present, and manage capital request projects and economic justifications for site and Sioux Falls leadership team members
Identify opportunities for plant improvements and work with a team of engineers to initiate and implement continuous improvement and cost savings projects. These projects may apply to one or more facilities across the POET footprint.
Complete and present data analysis of process information and create associated action plans and identify optimization needs
Assist with facility shutdown planning and execution
Exercise your problem-solving skills working with the bioprocessing facility's leadership team and fellow engineers in the field and at our corporate office to review operational and troubleshooting challenges
Develop advanced knowledge in specific unit operations and become a Subject Matter Expert that teams can rely on for process expertise
Support the Management of Change and Process Safety Management documentation for the facility
Assist with creating annual strategic plan initiatives for the site
Develop and utilize historical database reports
Write and coordinate procedures, and communicate to team members as necessary
Facilitate communication between departments
Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times
Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community
Since we're all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
You have a Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Other engineering degrees will be considered.
Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain processing or chemical processing is beneficial
If you've had prior leadership and project management, we'll leverage those strengths frequently
You have experience with DCS control and DCS historian systems
Working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations is considered an added bonus
You've been called excellent at organizational, time management, and communication skills and you not only welcome change, but you embrace it
You have the ability to understand technical detail and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility
You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite, and you're capable of learning new programs
A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE
Interpersonal skills - ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to embrace and promote change
Innovative mindset
Ability to think objectively
Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
Ability to work in a team environment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS& WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members. This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, respirators (depending on the location), hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.
Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.
Frequently:
Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant
Walk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces
Carry to up to 15lbs
Climb stairs and/or ladders
Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas
Reach at arm's length to gather samples
Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions
Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs
Bend while standing
Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area
Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles
Occasionally:
Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance
Carry up to 40 lbs, with our without assistance
Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance
Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistance
Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium weighted objects
Since we are all about team work, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique set of physical requirements.
About POET
POET is a leader in the renewable energy industry. We focus on creating value for our customers by producing high-quality biofuels and bioproducts. Our team of over 2,000 professionals is dedicated to advancing the biofuels industry and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We operate 28 biorefineries across the United States, producing over 3 billion gallons of ethanol annually. In addition to ethanol, we also produce a variety of other bioproducts, including animal feed, corn oil, and CO2. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned us numerous awards and recognition in the industry.
