Plant Engineering Specialist

Position Title

Plant Engineering Specialist

Location

Chestnut Hill

Job Family

Engineering Specialist II

Strategic Group

Supply Chain

Department

Engineering

Reports To

Plant Engineering Manager

Number of Direct Reports

0

Summary

This position leads process improvement and capital projects across the entire Chestnut Hill site, which includes Production, Distribution, Utilities, Facilities, and the Farm. This role requires strong technical and project management skills to ensure projects are delivered safely, per defined scope parameters, and with quality workmanship. This position must collaborate well with all internal departments to design and deliver reliable systems and solutions to the business. This position also requires a working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements associated with our production processes.

Additional responsibilities include leading and assisting cross-functional initiatives that support the supply chain, innovation, and quality systems. This role will also provide support for food safety, quality, or production issues that require immediate attention such as problem-solving and continuity plans across the supply chain.

The successful employee in this role exhibits a continuous improvement mindset and appropriately leverages both internal and external relationships. Excellent team facilitation and people skills are a must for anyone filling this role. Must have a strong internal drive to learn and grow both technically and personally.

Major Position Responsibilities

• It is an essential requirement of the job that the employee has the ability to function in a feedback-rich, team-based environment.

• Employees must be able to have dialogue with both technical and non-technical roles.

• Employees must possess good interpersonal skills and be compatible with co-workers.

ESSENTIAL

70%

Capital Project Management

• Gather appropriate resources and staff the project team.

• Align on scope to include objectives, approach, deliverables, exclusions, etc.

• Complete conceptual and preliminary design phases to prepare project cost estimate.

• Create and submit capital project request for approval.

• Lead final design phase to include construction drawings, bid packages, bid list, etc.

• Lead construction / installation phase and utilize internal maintenance staff and/or outside contractors. Emphasize safety during all project phases.

• Lead check-out, start-up, verification, and validation activities.

• Verify all plant systems have been updated and close out project.

20%

Process Improvement Initiatives

• Use plant floor databases and spend time on the floor to identify opportunities.

• Form a project team, define objectives, and state expected benefits. Build business case.

• Develop and recommend preferred options / solutions for approval.

• Lead team through testing, implementation, verification, validation, and monitoring phases.

10%

Technical Coaching / Consulting / Leadership

• Provide coaching on plant capabilities, production capacity, & system functionality

• Provide technical expertise as needed on other projects across the business

• Mentor maintenance technicians

• Recommend timing for technology upgrades

• Conduct plant tours for internal and external groups

SUPPLEMENTAL

Fiscal Responsibility: Capital project specific (typical range is $100K - $2M)

Internal Partners: Operators, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, AU Engineering, and Plant Leadership.

External Partners: Equipment Manufacturers, Suppliers, Contractors, Regulatory Agencies, Engineering Firms

Qualifications

Degrees

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (Chemical or Mechanical if they have electrical and controls experience)

Experience

10 years’ experience in Food manufacturing is preferred. Another plus is experience with low-acid canned food processes. Experience with design and implementation of electrical, controls, and mechanical hardware / systems.

Certifications/Licenses

Better process control school.

Specialized Skills

Working knowledge of power distribution systems, working knowledge of controls systems (PLCs, networking, HMIs, virtual servers, etc.), proficient with CAD / 3D modeling software, systems and process thinking, technical and business writing skills, presentation skills, ability to communicate clearly and concisely, highly collaborative, problem-solving skills, time management and organizational skills.

Workplace Conditions

Ability to work 40 hours per week and as needed.

Office

This job operates in a manufacturing plant environment. This role balances office work with time on the plant floor.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Employee must be able to work in a plant environment for extended periods of time.