Plant Engineer

Plant EngineerCKS Packaging is seeking an experienced Plant Engineer to join our plant in Naugatuck, CT. The Plant Engineer will be responsible for improving the reliability, efficiency, safety, and performance of plant equipment, production processes, utilities, and infrastructure.This position will work closely with Plant Management, Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Process Technicians to troubleshoot technical issues, improve equipment performance, support capital projects, reduce downtime and scrap, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on manufacturing engineering experience and a solid understanding of plastic blow molding equipment, automation, electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, PLCs, compressed air, chillers, and industrial utilities.ResponsibilitiesProvide engineering support for daily manufacturing operationsTroubleshoot equipment, process, and production issues and develop long-term corrective actionsIdentify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, safety, and operating costsEvaluate plant equipment and recommend upgrades, modifications, or replacementSupport installation, startup, commissioning, and qualification of new equipmentMaintain plant engineering documentation, equipment specifications, drawings, and operating standardsDevelop and maintain equipment and process improvement plansSupport and optimize blow molding processesWork with Process Technicians and Maintenance to improve machine performance and reduce downtimeTroubleshoot blow molding equipment, molds, auxiliaries, and material-handling systemsAnalyze cycle times, scrap, downtime, throughput, and OEEAssist with process optimization and establishing standard operating parametersIdentify opportunities to improve machine speeds, cycle times, material usage, and product consistencySupport new mold, tooling, equipment, and product trialsHelp establish and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentationTroubleshoot and support PLC, HMI, and industrial control systemsAssist Maintenance with electrical, controls, instrumentation, and automation issuesReview machine controls and recommend improvements or upgradesWork with Maintenance and outside vendors on controls and automation projectsSupport integration of new automation and production technologiesPartner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtimeIdentify chronic equipment failures and lead root-cause analysisDevelop and improve preventive and predictive maintenance strategiesAssist with critical spare parts identification and equipment documentationSupport reliability initiatives involving motors, drives, pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems, compressors, chillers, and auxiliary equipmentProvide engineering support for plant utilities and infrastructure: Compressed air systems, chilled water systems, electrical systems, water systems, HVAC, material handling systems, auxiliary equipmentAssist with facility improvement and expansion projects.Lead or support capital improvement projects from concept through installation and startupDevelop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and equipment specificationsCoordinate contractors, vendors, and internal departmentsSupport equipment commissioning and employee training following project completionLead and participate in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiativesUse data and root-cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvementReduce scrap, downtime, labor costs, energy consumption, and production bottlenecksDevelop and implement SOPsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred3–5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environmentPlastic manufacturing or blow molding experience strongly preferredStrong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skillsWorking knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, electrical controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, motors and drives, automation systems, chillers and compressorsExperience with capital projects and equipment installationsStrong understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment reliability