Plant Engineer

Ventura Foods

Chambersburg, PA

Estimated pay: Est. $30–$46/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

**Employment Type:** Salaried

**Shift:** First

**Work Arrangement:** Onsite

**Position Summary:**

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Maintain and improve the Plant operations making it more cost effective. Improve the Plant Facilities. Improve the equipments operation; design and install equipment, processing systems and utilities to meet customer needs. Promote future growth of the plant and the company as a whole.

**Major Duties and Responsibilities:**

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• Develop, justify, and manage capital projects from concept through startup, including project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, installation, commissioning, training, and closeout.
• Research, design, specify, purchase, and implement processing, packaging, utility, and facility equipment to improve safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, capacity, and cost performance.
• Prepare RFEs, cost estimates, project justifications, and supporting documentation for capital investments, operational improvements, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal resources to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within approved budgets.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including process flow diagrams, P&IDs, equipment layouts, technical specifications, drawings, and project records.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for mechanical, electrical, controls, processing, packaging, refrigeration, and utility systems.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Sanitation, and R&D to implement process improvements, new products, equipment upgrades, and reliability initiatives.
• Ensure projects, equipment, and installations comply with food safety, sanitation, environmental, safety, regulatory, and company standards.
• Support equipment commissioning, startup, operational training, and continuous improvement activities to improve plant performance and equipment reliability.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining project timelines and efficiently supporting daily plant operations.

**Education and Experience:**

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• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering or equivalent work experience (10+ years in related trade field).
• 2+ years experience with electrical and mechanical systems, power transmissions, hydraulics, pneumatics, certified refrigeration, ammonia/Freon, HVAC, PLC and VFD, welding (Arc, MIG, TIG) of all alloys including non-rerrous metals.
• Previous experience with AutoCAD and JDE, preferred.
• Emphasis on project management, safety, total productive maintenance, lean manufacturing, visual factory concepts. ACAD capable.
• Effective interpersonal and collaboration Anskills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.
• Excellent computer skills and technical documentation.

**Knowledge and Skills:**

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• Strong knowledge of food processing, packaging, utility systems, manufacturing operations, sanitary design, and food plant sanitation practices.
• Experience with processing and packaging equipment, including pumps, mixers, blenders, swept-surface heat exchangers, fillers, cappers, sealers, coders, conveyors, case packers, and palletizers.
• Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, motor controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, and industrial automation.
• Knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems, including ammonia and Freon, Process Safety Management (PSM), boilers, HVAC, compressed air, steam, water, wastewater, and related plant utilities.
• Knowledge of Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems, sanitary equipment design, GMPs, HACCP principles, allergen controls, food safety requirements, and plant sanitation programs.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, maintain schedules, prioritize workloads, coordinate resources, and meet deadlines.
• Experience developing project scopes, budgets, cost estimates, RFEs, and financial justifications, with the ability to monitor project spending and control costs.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Sanitation, R&D, contractors, vendors, suppliers, and all levels of the organization.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, equipment manuals, and technical specifications; proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and project management tools.

**Why Join Us:**

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we prov