Plant Engineer (m/f/d)

About the job

Company Description

About Syngenta

The Syngenta Group, a global leader in agritech and innovation, employs 60,000 people in over 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailored solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio includes seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fibre, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to tackle critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions while safeguarding the planet's resources.

Syngenta Crop Protection, the largest business unit of the Syngenta Group, leads in sustainable agricultural solutions and offers innovative products to keep plants healthy from sowing to harvest while minimising environmental impact.

Syngenta has been recognised by Science Magazine as a top employer, and all Swiss sites have been awarded the "Friendly Work Space" label: Read more here: https://friendlyworkspace.ch/de/das-label/das-sind-die-label-friendly-work-space-betriebe

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture, delivering high-quality seed and innovative crop protection solutions that enhance farmers’ success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s hiring team is seeking a Plant Engineer (m/f/d) in Münchwilen, Switzerland. In this role, you will assist us with the following tasks:

• Supporting the sustainable and safe execution of daily operational activities in the Formulation Pilot Plant (FPP)
• Responsible for managing technical equipment
• Providing support in technical and safety-related matters
• Responsible for optimising existing production processes
• Actively contributing to continuous improvement initiatives as well as innovation and maintaining awareness of new technologies

Safety Officer – Health, Safety and Environment (40%):

• Risk assessment & HSE compliance – conducting HAZOP, ATEX, and workplace risk assessments (WRA); ensuring compliance with permits to work (PTW); participating in incident investigations (RCA); promoting a proactive safety culture

• Engineering Change Management (MoC) – initiating, evaluating, coordinating, and closing all changes to equipment and systems through structured change control
   

Plant Engineer (60%):

• Equipment inspection and preventive maintenance – setting/reviewing PM schedules, ensuring compliance with statutory inspections, coordinating statutory inspections, tracking results to closure, and minimising unplanned downtime
• Acting as the main contact for FPP technical projects (considering HSE Codes of Practice)
• Budget planning and cost control – preparing annual budget estimates for equipment consumption, controlling expenses, supporting investment justifications, reviewing supplier invoices, and identifying cost-saving opportunities
• Supporting operations and maintenance teams – providing hands-on technical support during technical malfunctions, conducting root cause analyses, and follow-up; acting as interface between the pilot plant and supporting maintenance and equipment functions
• Commissioning new equipment – participating in FAT/SAT, reviewing installations against specifications, coordinating commissioning activities, and ensuring complete documentation prior to approval
• Reporting & KPI monitoring – defining and tracking engineering KPIs, analysing failure and downtime trends, reporting in tier meetings, and maintaining accurate SAP-PM data
• Spare parts and procurement support – defining and maintaining lists of critical spare parts, providing technical specifications, and supporting supplier qualification

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional qualification and/or relevant experience
• Fluent German skills to work effectively in a German-speaking environment. Preferably fluent English or at least B2 level. Communication across multiple functions to align on problem-solving.
• Swiss industrial safety regulations (ATEX directives, pressure equipment directive, machinery directive, MSRT, PPE compliance, OEL, exposure measurements)
• Management-of-Change (MoC) processes
• Permit to Work (PtW) and HAZOP methodology
• Understanding of P&ID and interpretation of technical/engineering drawings
• Failure analysis of equipment and methods for root cause investigation
• Preventive and condition-based maintenance principles
• Energy management across utilities (compressed air, N₂, steam, cooling water, electricity)
• Budget and cost centre management (CapEx/OpEx)

Additional Information

What we offer:

• We offer a position that contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• Flexible working arrangements and an environment with an open culture and diverse workforce
• Your work can make a significant contribution to people’s food security -> #bringingplantpotentialtolife
• We provide an open and pleasant working atmosphere
• We respect each other and work together on an equal footing
• Exclusive discounts and benefits for employees

Do you feel addressed? We look forward to receiving your complete online application including CV, cover letter, diplomas, and certificates.

Syngenta is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices based on race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.