Plant Engineer

Our client is a privately held food manufacturing organization specializing in food products and operating multiple production facilities throughout Southern California. The company has established a strong reputation for quality and has experienced steady growth over the past two decades. They are currently investing heavily in facility expansion, operational modernization, and digital maintenance systems as they prepare for their next phase of growth. Employees enjoy a collaborative, hands-on environment with high autonomy, strong accountability, and opportunities to directly influence operations and plant performance.

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineering professional who enjoys being on the production floor, solving equipment challenges, improving plant reliability, and leading capital and process improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive equipment reliability and operational efficiency improvements
• Lead equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and upgrade projects
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment involving mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls systems
• Partner with maintenance technicians and vendors to resolve equipment failures and reduce downtime
• Improve preventive maintenance strategies and asset management processes
• Support implementation and optimization of CMMS systems
• Develop documentation, procedures, equipment records, and maintenance standards
• Conduct inspections to support safety and regulatory compliance requirements
• Assist with plant expansion projects, layout modifications, and process improvements
• Train maintenance team members on new equipment and maintenance best practices
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Production, Quality, and Leadership teams

Requirements

• 5+ years of Plant Engineering experience with an engineering degree, OR 8-10+ years of related maintenance/engineering experience
• Strong troubleshooting abilities in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with motors, controls, conveyors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and HVAC systems
• Ability to read and understand PLC ladder logic
• Project management and continuous improvement experience
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline
• HACCP knowledge
• CAD experience
• Plant startup or facility expansion experience

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Vacation & Sick Time
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization

Pay

Competitive salary ranging from $76,000 to $90,000.