Associate Plant Engineer

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

This position provides responsibility for capital planning and execution as directed by the Regional Engineering Manager. Works collaboratively with maintenance and operations leadership to deliver high performance facilities / equipment / production systems and maintenance programs that deliver maximum uptime and reliability. This position will be a valued member of the engineering team to ensure the technical requirements of safety, environmental, energy, and production are met or exceeded. This position requires leadership skills 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.

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Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Works 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 / production 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 and Stage Gate to ensure project success.
• Build project timelines, clearly state objectives and identify risks.
• Participate in the development of 5-Year capital plans and forecasting spend projects.
• Technical resource for the project team. Elevate issues to manager to keep projects on track.
• Report out key project management metrics
• Maintains accurate and current floor plans and equipment layouts.
• Ensures 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.
• Frequent travel to various sites

Minimum Education

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil or Structural Engineering or BS degree with 5 years related work experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Must be able to travel to remote facilities and/or offices for meetings. Frequent plant and project site visits are required. Must have adequate computer skills with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.

Experience Preferred

BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, Civil or Structural Engineering and 2 years related work experience.

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 waste water treatment facility.
6. Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.
7. When in a 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.
8. Must be able to work at heights.
9. Must be able to work on and or around operating equipment.
10. Must be trained and use Lockout/Tagout

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.