Plant Engineer

Job Title: Plant Engineer

Location: Winchester, KY, USA

Position Type: Full-Time

Level: Mid-Level

Reports To: Plant Manager

Travel Required: None

Visa Support: No visa sponsorships supported

OFCCP/EEOC Compliance: Recruiters are required to comply with OFCCP / EEOC regulations when working on this job requisition.

Salary:

• Minimum: $87,375.00
• Maximum: $104,850.00
• Bonus: 12.5% quarterly

Relocation Package: None

About Us: We are a leading global company specializing in consumer, industrial, healthcare, and protective packaging. With operations in over 34 countries, we are committed to sustainability and innovation, continuously evolving to meet the needs of our diverse client base.

Position Overview: As a Plant Engineer, you will report directly to the Plant Manager and be responsible for achieving the highest level of reliability for plant equipment. You will support the Sonoco Performance System (SPS), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and drive the Maintenance Excellence process within the plant.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and implement comprehensive safety processes to prevent injuries and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.
• Maintain and enhance a reliability-centered maintenance process to drive machine uptime, improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and lower operational costs.
• Provide leadership to the maintenance department, ensuring high standards of plant condition and equipment performance.
• Ensure maintenance personnel have the necessary skills and qualifications. Identify and support technical training and development.
• Scope and execute capital projects, participate in annual budgeting, and manage departmental spending.
• Apply reliability tools to determine root causes of equipment failures and downtime. Develop and implement solutions to improve reliability and prevent recurrence.
• Act as a key member of the plant leadership team, driving plant/process improvements, meeting objectives, and setting performance standards.
• Support continuous improvement activities within the plant.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3+ years of successful experience leading a plant maintenance department or 5+ years of supervisory manufacturing experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Maintenance, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with CMMS preferred.
• Knowledge of TPM or Reliability field preferred.
• Strong understanding of OSHA requirements related to in-house equipment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a collaborative and effective team.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Root Cause Analysis techniques (e.g., FMEA, 5 Whys) and implementing countermeasures.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, instrumentation, lubrication, and predictive maintenance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with CMMS.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Wellbeing tools and resources, including an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off and holidays
• Variety of insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Process:

1. Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications to [Confidential Email Address].
2. Candidates will be screened by the recruiter.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be presented to the hiring manager.
4. Selected candidates will proceed to a Teams call with the manager.
5. Finalists may be invited for an onsite visit and potential panel interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.