What does a plant engineer do?
A Plant Engineer is responsible for directing the smooth operation of the plant. They plan and coordinate activities concerned with the design, construction, modification, and maintenance of equipment and machinery in an industrial plant.
Plant engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real plant engineer resumes:
- Lead work cells to become a team; Harmonize/unite/motivate assembly personnel using Kaizen approach.
- Provide guidance and training on NFPA 70E guidelines & conduct short circuit analysis for high voltage circuits.
- Develop company Wiki pages for API 610 cryogenic pumps, API 620 tanks, and chill water systems.
- Manufacture SolidWorks design parts using 3D printing, sheet metal tools, welders, mill, and lathe.
- Guide maintenance and techs in troubleshooting large RF and microwave batch driers utilizing both RF and microwave technology.
- Utilize lean six sigma tools to drive $250k savings from scrap reduction and increase productivity in the core department.
- Develop and enforce the BCPS contract documents and advise staff of prudent means and methods, NEC & NFPA codes.
- Specify, design, procure, acceptance test, and qualify new processing equipment for pharmaceutical intermediate and API processing.
- Job also require repair and maintenance of independent patient services, television, nurse call systems and plumbing and sewer systems.
- Design, develop and implement first PLC control batching system used by company, utilizing an Allen Bradley SLC 500 PLC.
- Direct HVAC and environmental improvements throughout the facility.
- Discover calibration hardware necessary for RF generators are non-existent.
- Provide maintenance auto cad support covering electrical changes to equipment drawings.
- Assist in implementation of CMMS system to increase effective machinery operation.
- Develop and write design guides to assist engineers in specifying distillation equipment.
Plant engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 6% of Plant Engineers are proficient in HVAC, Project Management, and Plant Operations. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Time-management skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Plant Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- HVAC, 6%
Directed HVAC and environmental improvements throughout the facility.
- Project Management, 5%
Developed and implemented engineering / construction project management and environmental regulatory tracking systems for Operations Integrity Management System for facility operations.
- Plant Operations, 5%
Supervised contractors and maintenance work forces, researched and supplied technical and advisory support for plant operations and maintenance department.
- Continuous Improvement, 4%
Drive continuous improvement with regards to the consistency of the manufacturing operations by statistical analysis of operational and QC data.
- Plant Maintenance, 4%
Provide technical support to plant maintenance department in an automotive aftermarket manufacturing business in a 250,000 square foot facility.
- Plumbing, 4%
Performed installation, operation, maintenance/repair of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other equipment.
"hvac," "project management," and "plant operations" are among the most common skills that plant engineers use at work. You can find even more plant engineer responsibilities below, including:
Leadership skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a plant engineer to have is leadership skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "to keep the production process running smoothly, industrial production managers must motivate and direct employees." Plant engineers often use leadership skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "offered technical support to plant operations and maintenance leadership. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of plant engineers is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday plant engineer duties, as "industrial production managers must have excellent communication skills to work well other managers and with staff." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "utilize excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with customers and enhance part quality through strategic process and design modifications. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain plant engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a plant engineer rely on this skill, as "production managers must identify and address problems that arise." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what plant engineers do: "resolved and overcame issues without disturbance in day to day plant operations. "
The three companies that hire the most plant engineers are:
- CDM Smith281 plant engineers jobs
- Black & Veatch74 plant engineers jobs
- Prime Healthcare36 plant engineers jobs
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Compare different plant engineers
Plant engineer vs. Engineering/maintenance manager
Engineering and maintenance managers are skilled executive professionals who manage the daily activities of the engineering department while directing the maintenance of all types of machinery in a manufacturing plant. These managers are required to develop preventive maintenance procedures and inspections for all manufacturing equipment so that they can reduce machine downtime. They must ensure that contractors are trained to respond to emergencies and follow all the processes that are documented within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Engineering and maintenance managers must also create a budget to manage the expenditures related to plant equipment upgrades.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a plant engineer are more likely to require skills like "plant operations," "chemical process," "process engineering," and "oil gas." On the other hand, a job as an engineering/maintenance manager requires skills like "capital projects," "predictive maintenance," "maintenance supervisors," and "plant engineering." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Engineering/maintenance managers really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $98,678. Comparatively, plant engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $99,347.engineering/maintenance managers tend to reach similar levels of education than plant engineers. In fact, engineering/maintenance managers are 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Plant engineer vs. Senior process engineer
A Senior Process Engineer assesses a process efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and quality. They also conduct process improvement initiatives and custom product developments.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, plant engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hvac," "plant operations," "plant maintenance," and "plumbing." Meanwhile, a senior process engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "data analysis," "process design," "sr," and "capital projects." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Senior process engineers may earn a higher salary than plant engineers, but senior process engineers earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $107,116. On the other hand, plant engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $99,347.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior process engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than plant engineers. In fact, they're 7.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for plant engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Richard Onyancha
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Department Head, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Plant engineer vs. Senior project engineer
A senior project engineer is responsible for monitoring the project team's overall process and operations from conceptualization until completion, ensuring the adherence to the clients' specifications, within the budget's goals, and the required deadline. Senior project engineers regularly communicate with the client regarding updates or necessary adjustments. They develop strategic procedures to finish the project efficiently by running diagnostic tests and troubleshooting discrepancies. A senior project engineer must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the team's performance and provide assistance when necessary.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, plant engineers are more likely to have skills like "plant operations," "continuous improvement," "plant maintenance," and "plumbing." But a senior project engineer is more likely to have skills like "construction management," "ul," "engineering design," and "project scope."
Senior project engineers earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $104,214. Plant engineers earn the highest pay from the automotive industry, with an average salary of $99,347.senior project engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to plant engineers. Specifically, they're 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Plant engineer vs. Industrial engineer
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Types of plant engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
