Operations Engineer

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-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

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. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

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!

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• 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 skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required). Chemical, Process, Agricultural and Biosystems, Mechanical Engineering, or other related majors preferred.

• The selected candidate’s qualifications and experience will determine the appropriate title. 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. 

• Additional training in Microbiology is preferred.  
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change
• 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
• Interpersonal skills – the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• A high level of personal integrity
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• An innovative mindset
• The ability to work in a team environment

• Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, for 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.  

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. 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.

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.