Assistant Plant Engineer

Smithfield Foods; Denison (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking an Assistant Plant Engineer to oversee maintenance and engineering operations at a plant in Iowa. You will drive capital projects, optimize maintenance systems, and lead a team to minimize downtime while improving efficiency and safety across production lines.

You will work closely with the Plant Engineer to design and implement predictive maintenance programs, monitor KPIs, and ensure compliance with food safety and environmental standards to support the company’s

Qualifications

• No explicit required skills listed in the ad.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital project development and post-approval management.
• Develop and implement maintenance systems (Preventive/Predictive; TPM).
• Lead maintenance staff and enforce safety standards.
• Provide daily troubleshooting and solutions to equipment failures.
• Develop KPIs with Plant Engineer to track maintenance performance.
• Drive safety and a safe, productive work environment.

Skills

Data analysis

Maintenance management

Project development

Maintenance systems

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

KPIs

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

As a key member of our Engineering team, you'll dive deep into data analysis, crafting innovative plans to optimize our production processes. Your mission is to uncover opportunities to drive efficiencies, reduce waste, and cut operating costs, making a direct impact on our bottom line. You'll play a crucial role in the manufacturing of beloved brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and others, ensuring we meet and exceed the needs of our customers and consumers.

As the Assistant Plant Engineer, reporting to the Plant Engineer, you'll take charge of managing the maintenance and engineering operations within the plant, ensuring the building and equipment remain in top condition. Your efforts will minimize mechanical downtime and keep production lines running at peak efficiency. You'll be at the helm of developing and implementing cutting-edge maintenance systems that align with the principles of High-Performing Manufacturing Organizations (including Preventative/Predictive Maintenance, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and more). Your work will help us build a world-class maintenance strategy, contributing directly to our operational success. You will also lead engineering efforts within your location to ensure our manufacturing process remain state of the art in both technology and performance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Engineering Project Development:

You'll take charge of capital project development and post-approval management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to plant operations. Collaborating closely with the Plant Engineer, you'll manage project scheduling and execution, ensuring all projects meet safety, food safety, and environmental standards.

Maintenance Systems:

You will lead the Maintenance Department in developing and implementing cutting-edge systems aligned with High-Performing Manufacturing Organizations, including Preventive/Predictive Maintenance, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and more. By optimizing resource scheduling, you'll ensure maximum work output while minimizing downtime, reducing costs, and boosting plant capacity. The outcome? A significant decrease in unscheduled downtime and a major increase in plant efficiency.

Maintenance Staff & Safety:

You will empower and lead the maintenance team by delegating tasks, enforcing policies, and ensuring clear work responsibilities are assigned. As the champion of plant safety, you'll drive and enforce safety standards through training, procedure implementation, and continuous monitoring. Your leadership will foster a safer, more productive work environment where employees feel supported and motivated to excel.

Solutions & Troubleshooting:

You'll be the problem-solving expert the plant relies on! You'll drive long-term solutions while providing daily support to operating teams, troubleshooting issues, analyzing problems, and resolving equipment failures quickly. Your expertise will keep the plant running smoothly with minimal repetitive issues, creating a positive, efficient work atmosphere where challenges are met with swift and effective solutions.

Key Performance Indicators:

Working with the Plant Engineer, you'll develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and report maintenance performance, including supplier effectiveness, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Your strategic oversight will provide the insights needed to continually improve maintenance operations and drive long-term success. This version speaks directly to you, emphasizing your role in driving innovation, leadership, and improvement in every area of the plant's operations.

People Management:

Drives a positive employee