Senior Level Plant Engineer Jobs
Senior level plant engineer jobs place experienced engineers in charge of facility reliability, capital project execution, and the technical decisions that keep production running at scale. Roles are predominantly on-site across Energy, Food & Beverage, and Medical Devices, with employers like RWE, Greif, and Google hiring at this level now.
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Senior Central Utility Plant Engineer
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary: The candidate will provide detailed engineering expertise for central plant utility systems including steam and condensate systems, boilers, feedwater systems, chilled water systems, condenser water and cooling tower systems, compressed air systems, and utility distribution piping. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of industrial market sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, specialty chemical, and manufacturing environments. The candidate will provide technical leadership to other engineers within the department and guide less experienced members through the central plant utility system design process. This position is offered in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The candidate must reside within 30 miles of Columbus, Ohio.
Responsibilities:
- Develop detailed and efficient central plant utility system designs based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
- Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of central plant utility systems for a variety of industrial market sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, specialty chemical, and manufacturing environments.
- Perform thermal, mass balance, pressure loss, and other calculations related to the supply of utility systems
- Work closely with manufacturers and vendors to size and select control valves, regulators, and instrumentation for central plant utility systems.
- Conduct existing facility surveys and documentation of existing central plant utility systems.
- Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in industrial spaces
- Write/edit project specifications
- Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
- Complete code compliance research
- Coordinate work with other disciplines
- Provide construction administration services such as submittal review, RFI responses, and punch list walks.
- Perform quality control checks for the work of other engineers as defined in the Salas O’Brien quality control policies
- Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers
- Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients during the design process
- Assist in the procurement of new work; including the development of client relations, participation in project interviews, and development of engineering scopes of work, fees, and proposals.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience: 10-15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems in an industrial environment.
- Certifications: Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Ohio and be able to acquire other states through comity application.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in using engineering tools and software including:
- Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with Revit and AutoCAD
- Experience with Bentley AutoPipe, PipeFlo, AFT Arrow, or AFT Fathom is preferred but not required
- Expertise in the development and design of central plant utility systems including:
- Air compressors
- Boilers
- Chillers
- Cooling towers
- Steam and condensate
- Utility distribution networks
- Understanding of codes, standards, and design best practices as it relates to central plant utility systems
- Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
- Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Travel: Up to 25%
Compensation & Benefits:
Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here (https://salasobrien.com/benefits/).
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Experience
Required- 10 - 15 years: 10-15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems in an industrial environment.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering
Licenses & Certifications
Required- Professional Engineer
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Senior Central Utility Plant Engineer
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary: The candidate will provide detailed engineering expertise for central plant utility systems including steam and condensate systems, boilers, feedwater systems, chilled water systems, condenser water and cooling tower systems, compressed air systems, and utility distribution piping. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of industrial market sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, specialty chemical, and manufacturing environments. The candidate will provide technical leadership to other engineers within the department and guide less experienced members through the central plant utility system design process. This position is offered in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The candidate must reside within 30 miles of Columbus, Ohio.
Responsibilities:
- Develop detailed and efficient central plant utility system designs based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
- Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of central plant utility systems for a variety of industrial market sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, specialty chemical, and manufacturing environments.
- Perform thermal, mass balance, pressure loss, and other calculations related to the supply of utility systems
- Work closely with manufacturers and vendors to size and select control valves, regulators, and instrumentation for central plant utility systems.
- Conduct existing facility surveys and documentation of existing central plant utility systems.
- Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in industrial spaces
- Write/edit project specifications
- Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
- Complete code compliance research
- Coordinate work with other disciplines
- Provide construction administration services such as submittal review, RFI responses, and punch list walks.
- Perform quality control checks for the work of other engineers as defined in the Salas O’Brien quality control policies
- Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers
- Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients during the design process
- Assist in the procurement of new work; including the development of client relations, participation in project interviews, and development of engineering scopes of work, fees, and proposals.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience: 10-15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems in an industrial environment.
- Certifications: Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Ohio and be able to acquire other states through comity application.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in using engineering tools and software including:
- Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with Revit and AutoCAD
- Experience with Bentley AutoPipe, PipeFlo, AFT Arrow, or AFT Fathom is preferred but not required
- Expertise in the development and design of central plant utility systems including:
- Air compressors
- Boilers
- Chillers
- Cooling towers
- Steam and condensate
- Utility distribution networks
- Understanding of codes, standards, and design best practices as it relates to central plant utility systems
- Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
- Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Travel: Up to 25%
Compensation & Benefits:
Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here (https://salasobrien.com/benefits/).
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Experience
Required- 10 - 15 years: 10-15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems in an industrial environment.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering
Licenses & Certifications
Required- Professional Engineer
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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Find JobsSenior Level Plant Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Food & Beverage
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
Senior Level Plant Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level plant engineer job?
Employers hiring at this level look for engineers who can own outcomes, not just execute tasks. Demonstrate a history of leading capital projects, driving reliability improvements, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates who can speak to measurable results, such as uptime gains or cost reductions they personally drove, consistently stand out over those who list responsibilities alone.
Which companies hire senior level plant engineers?
Companies hiring senior level plant engineers right now include RWE, Greif, and Google, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from large manufacturers, energy producers, and industrial operators that run continuous or high-complexity facilities requiring deep technical leadership on-site.
Are there remote senior level plant engineer jobs?
Yes, though most roles at this level require a significant on-site presence given the hands-on nature of plant operations. About 29% of senior level plant engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions typically involve engineering consulting, project oversight, or technical program management rather than direct facility responsibility.
What makes a plant engineer role senior level?
Senior level plant engineer roles are defined by scope and accountability. Engineers at this stage own the reliability strategy for an entire facility or product line, lead cross-functional capital projects from scoping through commissioning, and are expected to mentor mid-level and junior engineers. The work shifts from solving assigned problems to identifying and prioritizing the right problems to solve.
Which industries hire the most senior level plant engineers?
Senior Level plant engineer roles concentrate in Energy, Food & Beverage, and Medical Devices, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they operate complex, high-value facilities where experienced engineering leadership directly affects production output, safety compliance, and long-term asset performance.