Plant Engineer

Ventura Foods

. Maintain and improve plant operations to make them more cost effective .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeChambersburg • Pennsylvania • United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in project management, engineering design, and operational efficiency within food processing and manufacturing environments. Proficient in managing capital projects, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards, and collaborating across departments to enhance plant operations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementMechanical And Electrical SystemsFood Processing And Packaging EquipmentEngineering DocumentationRegulatory Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringProject ScopingCost EstimationTechnical DocumentationTroubleshootingLean ManufacturingSanitary DesignHVAC SystemsIndustrial Automation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCollaboration SkillsCommunication SkillsAnalytical SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

AutoCADMicrosoft OfficeJDEPLCVFDHMIWeldingCIP SystemsProcess Safety ManagementTotal Productive Maintenance

Industry Keywords

Food SafetySanitation PracticesGMPsHACCP PrinciplesAmmonia RefrigerationFreon RefrigerationUtility SystemsPlant OperationsEnvironmental ComplianceSafety Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain and improve plant operations to make them more cost effective
Improve plant facilities and equipment operation
Design and install equipment, processing systems, and utilities to meet customer needs
Promote future growth of the plant and company
Develop, justify, and manage capital projects from concept through startup
Scope, budget, schedule, procure, install, commission, train, and close out projects
Research, design, specify, purchase, and implement processing, packaging, utility, and facility equipment
Prepare RFEs, cost estimates, project justifications, and supporting documentation
Coordinate contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal resources
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 on 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
Manage multiple projects and priorities while supporting daily plant operations

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 skills
Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills
Excellent computer skills and technical documentation
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
Experience developing project scopes, budgets, cost estimates, RFEs, and financial justifications
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
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
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment
Ability to perform required physical tasks, including sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance
Willingness and ability to work typical 8–12 hour shifts, with additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends as required
Ability to work in environments involving adverse temperatures, vibrations, operational chemicals, fumes, food allergens, confined spaces, dark spaces, and heights exceeding 18 feet

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
Employee Appreciation Events
Employee Assistance Programs
Career growth opportunities
Training and development
Competitive compensation
Safe work environment
Manager support and recognition