Process Improvement Engineer

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Overview

A great job—and a great future—awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We are looking for motivated people who want to grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply now!

The Value You'll Bring

As a Process Improvement Engineer, you will be at the forefront of transforming manufacturing operations by unlocking efficiency, minimizing waste, and driving measurable cost savings across multiple facilities. In this high-impact role, you'll lead data-driven initiatives that optimize production systems and align with our strategic business goals. Through close collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on mentorship of plant personnel, you'll foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

What You'll Do

The following responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of duties and skills and may be supplemented as needed.

• Process Optimization and Efficiency : Optimize plant performance by evaluating process efficiencies, conducting time and capacity studies, and using data-driven insights to improve labor and equipment utilization. Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and reduce production costs through detailed workflow analysis and lean methodology.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Initiatives : Lead process improvement initiatives using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping to drive operational efficiency and impact. Deploy and sustain MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles to support long-term cultural and organizational change.
• Training, Coaching, and Change Management : Facilitate training workshops that drive operational and cultural improvements. Mentor teams on lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies to adopt sustainable, high-performance habits.
• Technology Integration and Systems : Assess and implement new equipment and technologies to enhance efficiency, and monitor installations to ensure alignment with budget and specifications. Use tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and SAP for documentation, data analysis, and performance tracking.
• Data Analytics and Root Cause Investigation : Conduct root cause analysis and corrective action planning to resolve manufacturing challenges. Translate data insights into actionable improvement projects using A3 methodology.
• SOPs and Standardization : Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and visual management systems to ensure clarity on the production floor. Establish best-practice methods to drive cost reduction and minimize process variability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Collaborate with operations, engineering, and leadership to standardize processes and promote alignment across the organization. Strengthen data integrity and ensure consistent information flow.
• Compliance, Reporting, and Sustainability : Support compliance audits and ensure the long-term sustainability of improvements. Deliver regular updates and strategic reports to senior leadership while advancing environmental sustainability (reducing energy use, water use, and waste).

What We're Seeking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 problem-solving preferred.

Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Self-starter with a high level of accountability; able to work independently or in teams.

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with a collaborative and coaching mindset.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.

Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Ability to lead by influence, using data to support initiatives and drive improvements.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to occasionally lift / move up to 50 pounds.

Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and working in varying temperature conditions.

Exposure to mechanical parts, airborne particles, and factory noise during site visits.

Willingness to work in both office and production environments for extended periods.

Relocation package available

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic as required by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

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