Plant Engineer

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

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 role will support our Ashton, IA and Hanlontown, IA bioprocessing facilities**

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• 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.

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• 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.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings and site visits. At times overnight travel may be required.
• In this role, you’ll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the preemployment process and yearly thereafter.
• 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.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.