Plant Engineer

Employment Type: Salaried
Shift: First
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Position Summary:

Maintain and improve the Plant operations making it more cost effective. Improve the Plant Facilities. Improve the equipments operation; design and install equipment, processing systems and utilities to meet customer needs. Promote future growth of the plant and the company as a whole.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

- Develop, justify, and manage capital projects from concept through startup, including project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation, commissioning, training, and closeout.

- Research, design, specify, purchase, and implement processing, packaging, utility, and facility equipment to improve safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, capacity, and cost performance.

- Prepare RFEs, cost estimates, project justifications, and supporting documentation for capital investments, operational improvements, and cost-saving initiatives.

- Coordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal resources to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within approved budgets.

- Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment layouts, technical specifications, drawings, and project records.

- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for mechanical, electrical, controls, processing, packaging, refrigeration, and utility systems.

- Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Sanitation, and R&D to implement process improvements, new products, equipment upgrades, and reliability initiatives.

- Ensure projects, equipment, and installations comply with food safety, sanitation, environmental, safety, regulatory, and company standards.

- Support equipment commissioning, startup, operational training, and continuous improvement activities to improve plant performance and equipment reliability.

- Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining project timelines and efficiently supporting daily plant operations.

Education and Experience:

- Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering or equivalent work experience (10+ years in related trade field).

- 2+ years experience with electrical and mechanical systems, power transmissions, hydraulics, pneumatics, certified refrigeration, ammonia/Freon, HVAC, PLC and VFD, welding (Arc, MIG, TIG) of all alloys including non-rerrous metals.

- Previous experience with AutoCAD and JDE, preferred.

- Emphasis on project management, safety, total productive maintenance, lean manufacturing, visual factory concepts. ACAD capable.

- Effective interpersonal and collaboration Anskills.

- Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.

- Excellent computer skills and technical documentation.

Knowledge and Skills:

- Strong knowledge of food processing, packaging, utility systems, manufacturing operations, sanitary design, and food plant sanitation practices.

- Experience with processing and packaging equipment, including pumps, mixers, blenders, swept-surface heat exchangers, fillers, cappers, sealers, coders, conveyors, case packers, and palletizers.

- Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, motor controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, and industrial automation.

- Knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems, including ammonia and Freon, Process Safety Management (PSM), boilers, HVAC, compressed air, steam, water, wastewater, and related plant utilities.

- Knowledge of Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems, sanitary equipment design, GMPs, HACCP principles, allergen controls, food safety requirements, and plant sanitation programs.

- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, maintain schedules, prioritize workloads, coordinate resources, and meet deadlines.

- Experience developing project scopes, budgets, cost estimates, RFEs, and financial justifications, with the ability to monitor project spending and control costs.

- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective, sustainable solutions.

- Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Sanitation, R&D, contractors, vendors, suppliers, and all levels of the organization.

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, equipment manuals, and technical specifications; proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and project management tools.

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

- Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​

- Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​

- Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​

- Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

- Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;

- Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and

- Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Our Culture
Our Culture reflects our commitment to treating every employee with respect and creating an environment where people can do their best work. We rely on a variety of strengths, backgrounds, and experiences across our teams to help us innovate, grow, and deliver for our customers. By fostering a workplace that is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in integrity, we continue to attract strong talent and meet the high expectations of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.