Plant Engineer

Riviana Foods Inc. is a world class leader in the rice sector and is America’s largest processor, marketer, and distributor of branded and private label rice products. Riviana brands are well known for their quality and excellence. Key brands include Adolphus®, Blue Ribbon®, Colusa Rose®, Carolina®, Comet®, Gourmet House®, Mahatma®, Minute®, River®, RiceSelect®, Sello Rojo®, Success® and Water Maid®. Riviana Foods is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., a multinational food group operating in the rice, pasta and sauces sectors. Based in Spain, Ebro Foods has commercial and/or industrial presence in more than 25 countries in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, through its extensive network of subsidiaries and brands.

Our global reach is an important factor in Riviana's success.  As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., the world leader in rice sector, we take a world view of the rice business and draw upon the global resources of our parent company.

Plant Engineer

Perform engineering activities required to analyze, design, plan, direct and coordinate assigned processing/packaging projects to assure customer satisfaction and to meet targeted performance, expectations, time tables and spending limits. Support Plant Maintenance in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems resulting in root cause identification and repair.  Perform as a leader in Lean and Continuous Improvement activities throughout the facility.

Primary Accountabilities

• Apply engineering principles to analyze and plan for the requirements of assigned food processing and/or packaging projects and cost studies to achieve targeted objectives
• Prepare engineering specifications.  Design process and package flows for assigned projects; prepare all necessary drawings
• Prepare project approval documentation for new products and systems, maintain required project documentation and monitor and control costs within assigned projects
• Lead assigned projects through concept, design, installation, commissioning and qualification to meet specified scope and identified project objectives
• Obtain and adopt all relevant requirements including building permits, environmental regulations, sanitary design, Good Manufacturing Practices, safety, code requirements and OSHA regulations on all work assignments
• Specify, obtain bids, select and purchase required equipment, parts and contract installation services for assigned projects to meet installation schedules and requirements
• Supervise work conducted by plant labor, contractors, and service personnel to assure efficient coordination and completion of assigned projects as scheduled
• Provide mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, problem analysis and technical support to all Riviana manufacturing and packaging facilities as required
• Administer the implementation of maintenance and operator training for all new equipment and systems installed on assigned projects
• Keep abreast of new technological developments through professional study and journals and initiate uses within Riviana Foods
• Manage multiple projects of varying complexity and varying priorities simultaneously
• Lead Lean and Continuous Improvement activities in the Plant

Education

• BS Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering or 5 years experience in a Lead Plant Engineer role

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in the design and installation of food processing and packaging systems.  Background with process control and packaging equipment a plus (including scaling, form-fill-seal machines, cartoning, casepacking, conveying, palletizing, metal detection and checkweighing)

Key Attributes

• Familiarity with principles of processing, packaging, building and utilities technologies
• Solid interpersonal skills and team orientation
• Strong technical and problem solving skills
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Leadership skills – a comfort level with change and the ability to lead change is essential and critical to this position
• Strong project management skills and ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to perform all responsibilities with limited supervision
• Suggest innovative and creative new and improved methods
• Willingness to travel as required (typically 10%, but can vary according to project assignments)
• Familiar with basics of finance, product cost accounting and statistical process control
• Working knowledge with PLCs, Factory Floor automation and process control
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.  This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.