Operations Engineer - Operations Rotational Program

Morton Salt is an iconic company with a strong heritage and a bright future. Since 1848, we have been improving lives and enhancing everyday moments – at home, at work and virtually everywhere in between.  We help unlock the flavors in food, make roads and sidewalks safer, improve the water in baths, pools, and homes, and keep businesses and industries running. We are a dedicated team who constantly strives to do better together, and we are passionate about building a sustainable future for our company, the communities in which we operate, and the world around us. By joining our team, you will contribute to producing and delivering every form of salt that enhances everyday life.

Job Summary

The Operations Rotation Program is a 12-month development program at an evaporation or solar site for production, technical, and leadership development. This program is for chemical, industrial, or mechanical engineers who have recently earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a master’s degree in engineering.

Over the course of the program, the engineer will participate in three to four distinct rotational assignments, ranging from three to four months in length. Rotations may include working in the following departments:

• Production
• Mill
• Maintenance
• Shipping

Each program participant will be mentored by seasoned technical, operations, and maintenance professionals. The Operations Rotation Program begins in Spring or Summer 2025 and positions are available in several locations throughout the United States, including Grand Saline, TX; Hutchinson, KS; Silver Springs, NY; Fairless Hills, PA; Grantsville, UT; and Port Canaveral, FL.

Each program participant will gain exposure to fundamentals in a manufacturing environment, such as:

• Safety leadership
• Supervisory leadership
• Maintenance planning
• Systems, process and product technologies
• Operational management
• Financial and sales acumen

About the Program:

• Rotations are designed around a business unit’s specific needs and provide exposure to the site’s senior management team.
• Rotations provide a “big picture” view of the business and hands-on experiences to grow your engineering skills in multiple technical areas.
• Program participants are assigned a mentor at the beginning of their placement who assists in their development.
• After each rotation, program participants will present on their rotational experience to the Business Unit President, CHRO, and other Operations leaders.
• Program participants will receive formal and informal feedback throughout each rotation to ensure continued growth.
• Program participants will develop the following competencies:
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Technical Skills

At the end of the program, the Operations Rotation Program graduate may interview for full-time placement in a technical or managerial role. Through the program, the program participant will be professionally prepared to contribute to their designated assignment and able to fully embrace the organization’s culture and environment while embodying the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

What we are looking for:

• Candidates who will take initiative to drive results, execute goals, and demonstrate a desire to learn and grow.
• Demonstrated desire to develop technical and leadership skills in a manufacturing environment, while furthering their career and long-term impact at Morton Salt.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and revise processes to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the product and / or process and generate cost savings.
• Responsible for activities related to the development of new processes including researching current and emerging technologies, evaluating process safety, quality and cost.
• Apply engineering understanding in a hands-on environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results.
• Identify and solve issues with processes and equipment. Troubleshoot possible causes and coordinate the activities of maintenance, production and other available resources to implement cost effective solutions.
• Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes.
• Improve plant performance by designing and implementing engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data pertaining to industrial machinery and equipment design.
• Implement control procedures to achieve project objectives.
• Determine feasibility of replacing or modifying plant equipment and facilities considering costs, available space, time limitations, and other technical and economic factors.
• Prepare budgets for capital projects by generating scope of work, cost estimates, project papers, technical specifications, and rate of return (ROI).
• Oversee the procurement and coordination of necessary materials, equipment, and people to support construction activities. Monitor vendor and contractor performance to achieve project deliverables.
• Lead all aspects of project implementation, from planning and scheduling to execution and closeout, while ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. Manage and mitigate project risks, resolving issues and conflicts to maintain project momentum.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with all project stakeholders and ensure cohesive flow and distribution of project administration and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Participate in all safety processes, lead by example, and ensure all contractors adhere to all safety policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Requirements:

• Engineering Degree (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial preferred), with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 0-2 years’ experience in an engineering capacity
• Ability to relocate for the duration of the program to an assigned site, and again at the end of the program, based on business need and fit.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theory, and engineering experience gained through projects, internships, and/or relevant work experiences
• Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment, ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
• Flexible, adaptable, and demonstrates a willingness to learn
• Strong communication and analytical skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills
• Self-directed, excellent initiative, strong organizational skills
• Thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Comfortable leading people in various manufacturing capacities
• Exhibit strong ability to handle demands with a sense of urgency

Preferred:

• Relevant internships / co-ops / apprenticeships, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated leadership in professional, service, social, or student organizations

The salary range of $75,000-80,000 is just one component of Morton Salt’s total package. Actual compensation varies depending on the individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and incentives. 

At Morton Salt, we work best when we work as a team, when we treat one another with dignity and respect, and value the unique contributions of others. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, sex, religion, color, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.