Senior Plant Engineer

Plant Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $130,000-$150,000 annually

Bonus: Annual Bonus Potential

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Plant Engineer to oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical plant infrastructure and utility systems within a manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on keeping essential systems operating safely, efficiently, and reliably to support continuous production. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in industrial utilities, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment reliability, and regulatory compliance, along with experience working in a union manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Utilities & Infrastructure

• Oversee the daily operation and performance of critical plant utility systems, including steam boilers, chilled water, HVAC, and industrial refrigeration .
• Monitor system performance, operating conditions, efficiency, and utility usage to support reliable production.
• Coordinate water treatment, boiler, cooling system, and related utility maintenance programs.
• Support building controls, utility distribution, emergency systems, and overall plant infrastructure.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Lead preventative and corrective maintenance activities for plant infrastructure and mechanical systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and utility equipment issues and implement long-term reliability improvements.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades, cost reduction, energy efficiency, and improved system performance.
• Maintain equipment records, maintenance documentation, operating procedures, and related technical documentation.

Mechanical & Plant Support

• Provide hands-on technical support for mechanical repairs, fabrication, facility modifications, and plant maintenance activities.
• Support the overall readiness and reliability of facility systems to meet production requirements.
• Partner with maintenance teams to identify recurring equipment issues and develop sustainable solutions.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure plant systems and activities comply with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, and hot work procedures .
• Support regulatory audits, inspections, and facility compliance initiatives.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and coordinate maintenance and engineering activities within a union manufacturing environment .
• Coordinate contractors and outside service providers performing work throughout the facility.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety teams to improve plant reliability and performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to utilities, infrastructure, reliability, and operating efficiency.

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in industrial facilities, plant engineering, utilities, building engineering, or plant infrastructure.
• Strong hands-on experience with steam boilers, chillers, HVAC, and industrial refrigeration systems .
• Previous experience working in a union manufacturing environment .
• Proven mechanical troubleshooting, maintenance, and equipment reliability experience.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to provide technical leadership while remaining hands-on with plant systems and equipment.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Annual Bonus Potential

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.