Job description:
Our client is seeking an experienced and technically proficient Plant Engineer to support its Secaucus, New Jersey facility. This individual will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of plant operations, with a strong emphasis on automation, controls engineering, and maintenance management.
The Plant Engineer will be responsible for implementing and sustaining automation technologies, supporting high-speed packaging operations, coordinating engineering projects, and partnering closely with maintenance and production teams to achieve performance, safety, and quality objectives.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesAutomation & Controls Engineering:
- Develop, maintain, and optimize control systems to support production and packaging operations.
- Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs, including RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000.
- Support, configure, and enhance FactoryTalk HMI/SCADA platforms.
- Analyze system performance and implement improvements to enhance operational reliability.
- Provide technical support for equipment commissioning, upgrades, and automation projects.
Maintenance & Operational Support:
- Provide advanced technical expertise to maintenance personnel in diagnosing and correcting electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
- Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment uptime and reduce unplanned downtime.
- Participate in root cause analyses and develop sustainable corrective actions.
Project Management:
- Manage engineering and automation projects from concept through implementation, including scoping, budgeting, planning, and execution.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders, contractors, and vendors to ensure timely project completion.
- Maintain proper documentation and ensure compliance with corporate, regulatory, and safety requirements.
Systems, Data, and Technology Integration:
- Utilize SQL to extract data, analyze trends, and support system integrations.
- Experience with Ignition SCADA is considered a strong asset.
- Support data-driven decision-making and digital transformation initiatives within the facility.
Compliance & Safety:
- Ensure adherence to all food safety, OSHA, regulatory, and company standards.
- Support audits, documentation reviews, and engineering change management processes.
- Promote and maintain a safe working environment through proactive risk assessments and compliance efforts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in automation, plant engineering, or manufacturing engineering
- Proficiency with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley / RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000)
- Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk HMI/SCADA systems
- Demonstrated experience in maintenance management or supporting maintenance operations
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to partner effectively across departments
- Proven ability to lead and manage engineering projects
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in food manufacturing or regulated production environments
- Knowledge of high-speed packaging equipment
- Experience working with SQL databases
- Exposure to Ignition SCADA platforms
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies
