Plant Engineer

Cyclyx is a leading plastic feedstock management company that works with industry participants to increase plastic recyclability. We are seeking a highly skilled Plant Engineer to join our team at our Houston, TX location.

The Plant Engineer will be responsible for the engineering, process, and production support and optimization for the assigned Cyclyx Circularity Center (CCC). This role requires a hands-on, knowledgeable, highly engaged, and responsive collaborator who is a self-starter, resourceful, brings creativity and strong interpersonal skills to the organization.

1. Process Design and Optimization:

• Design, develop, and optimize plant processes for the efficient processing (sorting, shredding, pelletizing, granulating, etc.) of waste plastics.
• Continuously assess plant operations to identify areas for improving productivity, reducing waste, and increasing throughput.
• Ensure that the plant processes can scale efficiently based on increased input volumes or changes in product requirements.

• Oversee the selection, installation, and commissioning of new equipment, such as conveyors, shredders, trommels, balers, and pelletizers.
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules for all machinery to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts when plant processes fail to perform per specification. Coordinate with maintenance teams to implement timely repairs and resolve technical issues.

• Plan and manage capital projects such as plant expansions, upgrades, or equipment modifications, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., operations, procurement, safety) to ensure engineering projects align with overall plant goals and comply with company standards.

• Ensure that all engineering processes and equipment meet regulatory and company safety standards, implementing safety controls and safeguards as necessary.
• Ensure that all waste handling, processing, and emissions from the plant comply with environmental regulations, including proper disposal of waste materials and minimizing environmental impact.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with plant operations, including mechanical, chemical, and process safety risks.

• Optimize engineering processes to reduce operational costs, including energy consumption, maintenance expenses, and material waste.
• Manage the engineering department's budget, including capital expenditures for equipment, tools, and maintenance supplies.

• Ensure that plant operations maintain high-quality standards, including consistent feedstock quality, equipment performance, and final product specifications.
• Implement systems for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment efficiency, throughput, and yield, and ensure quality control checkpoints are in place.
• Lead investigations into process or product quality issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.

• Monitor and improve energy use within the plant, ensuring that equipment is operating efficiently and looking for opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of plant utilities, such as compressed air, power distribution, and ventilation systems.

• Maintain detailed records of all engineering projects, equipment manuals, process flows, safety assessments, and maintenance logs.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on plant performance, including production metrics, equipment reliability, maintenance activities, and process improvements.

• Provide process-related training and development for operators, maintenance personnel, and other plant staff on the proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

• Stay up to date with the latest technologies in material handling and waste plastic processing, and evaluate the feasibility of implementing new technologies in the plant.
• Work to implement automation systems and process control systems to increase efficiency and improve monitoring.

Requirements:

• 5-10 years of experience in bulk material handling facilities handling plastics, polymers, or similar materials, experience with waste plastics preferred.
• Experience working within SCADA and PLC control platforms.
• Expertise in process instrumentation, (temperature, pressure, level, flow, and analytical transmitters and switches).
• Experience with controls and equipment integration, commissioning, and startup requirements of manufacturing facilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, including NFPA/NEC, UL, OSHA.
• Proven record for managing third-service providers and contractors for engineering, construction, and installation.
• Strong planning skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Excellent judgment regarding health, safety, environmental guidelines, policies, and regulations as they pertain to process control.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering. A combination of relevant education and work experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working with industrial automation and controls systems.

Personal Qualifications:

• Excellent business acumen, commitment to teamwork, and results-oriented.
• Superior interpersonal skills and written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-confidence, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Impeccable personal and professional ethics.

Position Mechanics:

Reports to: Plant Manager

Type: Salaried; full-time

Work Hours: 40 hours/week base; work hours and start times may vary with each project or project phase, local office, and projects globally, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work required.

Staff: None

Location: Onsite Houston, TX

Work environment: Professional office and manufacturing.

Travel: < 15%

Physical Demands: Varies from work performed in an office environment to that associated with a manufacturing environment.

Company Benefits:

Cyclyx offers a competitive benefits package which goes beyond just a paycheck. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive, company-funded (up to 90% company-paid premiums) health, dental, vision, and insurance plans to robust retirement benefits that include company-matching contributions, and much, much more. We also provide development and growth opportunities because we believe investing in your success is investing in our success. Also, working for a rapidly growing, fast-paced organization, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network while building a rewarding and dynamic career.

Company Culture:

We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse and highly talented individuals. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an engaging and growing culture, and a variety of opportunities for our employees' professional growth and development.

Cyclyx is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We value mutual respect and diversity in the workplace and are committed to Employment Equity and Inclusion. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees that drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and do not discriminate any applicant's status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.