Senior 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 Provide technical leadership that keeps plant operations running efficiently, reliably, and at peak performance. As a Senior Plant Engineer, you will guide engineering and operational initiatives that maximize equipment uptime, improve system reliability, and support production goals through the application of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) principles. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, and cross‑functional teams to solve complex technical challenges, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement across the facility. Ideal for a results‑driven engineering leader, this position offers the opportunity to influence plant performance, enhance operational capabilities, and deliver measurable impact to the business. Responsibilities Provide technical leadership to ensure plant operations run efficiently, reliably, and at peak performance. Guide engineering and operational initiatives to maximize equipment uptime, improve system reliability, and support production goals via OEE principles. Partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, and cross‑functional teams to solve complex technical challenges, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement across the facility. Work collaboratively with plant management and the VP of Engineering to execute technical strategies that deliver on Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost. Develop and lead overall plant technical strategies and tactics focused on Safety, Compliance, Quality, Profitable Growth, and Cost. Promote safety as a culture and strategy across all technical and operations areas, demanding focused results from the entire technical organization. Lead plant‑specific engineering and maintenance projects to achieve key performance goals. Manage site capital investment strategy; develop budgets for future capital projects and compile them into multi‑year capital budgets. Ensure facilities structures and infrastructure meet or exceed operational needs, including electrical, mechanical, boiler, and refrigeration systems. Collaborate with Engineering leadership to create, understand, and strictly adhere to plant technical expense budgets. Provide technical leadership and coordinate with corporate insurance, risk management, and local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the facility meets and exceeds applicable codes and policies. Minimum Education and Experience 5 years of experience in food or manufacturing. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience. Preferred Education and Experience Automation experience and working knowledge of the plant Computerized Maintenance Management System (Maximo). Experience in meat or poultry and leading projects in an operational setting. Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements Position is active on the floor, involved in troubleshooting and redesign of existing systems. May need to move equipment, access files, supplies, and equipment, and work in confined or permit‑required confined spaces and heights. Must work on and around operating equipment, be trained in Lockout/Tagout, and use protective and safety equipment as directed. Work environment includes office areas, construction sites, and climate extremes typical of a poultry processing operation, feed mill, hatchery, and wastewater treatment facility. Exposure to wet and moist floors, temperatures ranging from 28°F to 100°F, humidity up to 100%, noise levels 50 dB to 110 dB, chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr