Operations Engineer

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a ‘family-first’ culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Engineer analyzes real time bioprocessing facility data to identify opportunities to improve performance throughout the POET fleet. In this role, you will design and drive continuous improvement projects, be exposed to all facets of bioprocessing facility operations and become a subject matter expert in many areas of operation. You will also collaborate with the POET team to troubleshoot, innovate, optimize, and identify areas of improvement. Together, we focus on problem solving, teamwork and leadership which results in ongoing improvements throughout the fleet of POET facilities. We work hard, we play hard, and we drive results!

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

• Troubleshoot problems to ensure plant uptime and efficiency.
• Provide support and oversight to POET bioprocessing facility operations.
• Maximize plant efficiency though teamwork and innovation.
• Identify, develop, and manage implementation of new technologies at the Bioprocessing facilities.
• Complete data analysis of process information and effectively communicating the results to leadership.
• Collaborate and provide leadership on cross functional teams.
• Assist with bioprocessing facility start-ups and expansions including shift coverage and new team member training.
• Travel to bioprocessing facilities for meetings, site visits/audits, operational support, and training.
• Develop and provide technical presentations to leadership.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required). Chemical, Process, Agricultural and Biosystems, Mechanical Engineering, or other related majors preferred.
• Experience requirements:
• Operations Engineer I: experience through internships, co-ops and educational opportunities preferred.
• Operations Engineer II: 4 or more years of overall experience with 3 or more years of experience in a related industry.
• Operations Engineer III: 8 or more years of overall experience with 6 or more years of experience in a related industry.
• Senior Operations Engineer: 12 or more years of overall experience with 10 or more years of experience in a related industry.
• The selected candidate’s qualifications and experience will determine the appropriate title.
• Additional training in Microbiology is preferred.
• You have excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
• You communicate effectively in writing and in person.
• You have the ability to understand technical and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility in great detail and can provide leadership to various teams when needed.
• You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, meetings and site visits. At times overnight travel may be required.
• In this role, you’ll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the pre-employment process.
• The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members.