Summary

The Plant Engineer provides overall responsibility for capital planning and execution for the West Coast Production and Live Operations to include processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills, and distribution operations.  This position requires leadership skills in working with cross-functional teams and effectively managing timelines.  Position will manage multiple projects simultaneously.  Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to influence across bustiness units as well as effectively coordinating external and internal resources.

The salary range for this position is 97K to 145K per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and paid time off.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead overall technical strategies and tactics focused on Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.
• Work collaboratively with Operations and Engineering leadership to execute capital projects that deliver on Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost.  
• Capital projects will include: facility infrastructure/equipment/productions systems; technical maintenance support, environmental and energy utilization.
• Conduct project meetings with cross functional teams to ensure scope and business objectives are met on time and within budget. Fully utilize engineering work processes to ensure project success.
• Build project timelines, clearly state objectives and identify risks.
• 5-Year capital plan development and spend forecasting responsibility for all projects within the areas of responsibility.  
• Train project managers and others on proper project management techniques.
• Act as technical resource for the project team.  Elevate issues to manager to keep projects on track. 
• Report key project management metrics.
• Maintain accurate and current floor plans and equipment layouts.
• Ensure infrastructure is maintained to meet or exceed the operational needs including but not limited to: associate safety, code compliance, electrical, mechanical, boiler and HVAC systems.
• This position has no direct reports but works collaboratively with the safety, FSQA, production, maintenance, and environmental managers.
• The Plant Engineer will manage contracted resources and trades and will make decisions on capital projects such as design, cost, installation, reporting, etc. A decision requiring additional funds, a change in scope, or affecting company policy should receive approvals prior to executing.
• Frequent travel to various sites.

Minimum Education

• BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil or Structural Engineering or equivalent work experience.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years related experience. 
• Technical experience in construction, refrigeration, poultry processing equipment, project management, and equipment layout is a must.
• Track record in problem solving, negotiating, managing people, and establishing and meeting schedules is required.
• Must have adequate computer skills with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.  
• Must be able to travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings. 
• Frequent plant and project site visits are required; travel is extensive.  

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

1. Position is active. Work activity is on the project and plant sites.  On the floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine.
2. May need to move equipment occasionally.
3. May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
4. Work activity is where the processing equipment is located.
5. Work environment includes, but is not limited to, a normal office environment and construction site as well as climate extremes found in a poultry processing operation, feed mill, hatchery and a wastewater treatment facility.
6. Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.
7. Must be able to work on and or around operating equipment.
8. Must be trained and use Lockout/Tagout.
9. Must be able to work at heights.

When in plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.