Machinery 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-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

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. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Machinery Engineer, you will provide technical leadership in the reliability, performance, and lifecycle management of critical rotating equipment across POET's bioprocessing facilities. Serving as a subject matter expert for compressors, centrifuges, turbines, and other critical machinery, this role will focus on solving complex equipment problems, eliminating repeat failures, improving maintenance strategies, and identifying opportunities to reduce lifecycle costs.

As part of POET's Maintenance and Reliability team, you will collaborate with site teams, Engineering, Procurement, and external partners to establish technical standards, implement reliability improvements, and support enterprise-wide initiatives that improve equipment performance and operational consistency.

This position provides potential flexibility with options to relocate to POET’s headquarters in Sioux Falls or be stationed remotely within the POET footprint. Additional responsibilities include:

- Serve as the primary technical subject matter expert for critical rotating equipment, with particular emphasis on reciprocating and screw compressors, centrifuges, turbines, and other high-impact machinery systems.
- Provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex or chronic failures.
- Lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) for major or recurring equipment issues.
- Establish and maintain engineering and maintenance standards and procedures for rotating equipment.
- Analyze machinery performance, failure trends, and maintenance costs to proactively identify and prioritize reliability improvement opportunities.
- Define asset criticality and maintenance approaches specific to machinery systems.
- Provide technical leadership for rotating equipment lifecycle strategies, including: Equipment selection, technical specifications, and design reviews
- Commissioning and startup support.
- Preventative maintenance and predictive maintenance optimization.
- Refurbishment versus replacement decisions.

- Provide technical guidance on critical machinery spares, repairable assemblies, interchangeability, and stocking strategies in collaboration with Maintenance and Inventory teams.
- Identify and qualify OEMs and third-party service providers.
- Develop and deploy training for fleetwide technicians.
- Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of technical education and substantial rotating equipment experience.

- Minimum 5 years of relevant industrial machinery experience; 10+ years preferred

- Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Reciprocating compressors, Screw compressors, centrifuges, etc.

- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis experience
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail, and work independently.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

- High level of personal integrity with a commitment to consistency, accuracy, and quality.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, influence, and collaborate across Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and external partners.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges.
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to balance technical risk, cost, and operational impact in decision-making.
- Self-directed, systems-oriented approach with the ability to identify opportunities, drive improvements, and develop scalable solutions across the organization.
- Ownership mentality with the ability to prioritize high-impact machinery work and drive reliability improvements independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit our bioprocessing facilities and attend meetings.  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 pre-employment process.
- 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.

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GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. 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.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

- Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
- Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
- Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
- 401K with company match
- Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

- A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
- Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
- Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
- Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.