Associate Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp; Carroll (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp is seeking an Associate Process Improvement Engineer to drive high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and operations. You will apply engineering principles, data analytics, and lean methods to streamline processes, improve product quality, and cut costs across facilities.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement continuous improvement, develop SOPs, and train staff in best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and optimize plant efficiency through workflow analyses and time studies.
• Lead lean initiatives using A3, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping.
• Support implementation of MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way.
• Assist root cause analysis and drive corrective actions with data insights.
• Ensure new equipment and technologies meet budget and specifications.
• Create and maintain SOPs, work standards, and visual management.
• Train and coach teams to sustain improvements and best practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve decision-making and data integrity.
• Support audits and sustainability goals related to energy, water, and waste.

Skills

A3 problem solving

Kaizen events

Value Stream Mapping

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

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 an Associate Process Improvement Engineer, you’ll be a driving force behind high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and operations. Leveraging your expertise in engineering principles, data analytics, and lean methodologies, you’ll identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance product quality, and reduce operational costs across multiple facilities. In this collaborative role, you’ll work alongside cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement continuous improvement strategies and cultivate a culture of operational excellence and innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Process Optimization: You will evaluate and enhance plant efficiencies by analyzing workforce utilization, facility layouts, and operational workflows; conducting time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments; and identifying lean waste elimination opportunities through data-driven process improvement methods.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Initiatives: You will implement process improvements using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen events, and Value Stream Mapping, while deploying and sustaining MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles. You will also support cultural and operational change by driving continuous improvement strategies that embed excellence across the organization.
• Data Analysis and Problem Solving: You will assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions and use data insights to generate actionable projects using A3 methodology.
• Technology and Systems: You will be responsible for ensuring and helping implement new equipment or technologies to improve production. You will monitor new installations and compliance with budget and specifications.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Development: You will create and maintain Standard Operations Procedures, work standards, and visual management systems and establish 'best in class' and 'best practice' standards to optimize production.
• Training and Coaching: You will participate in and facilitate training workshops to promote cultural and operational improvements through knowledge sharing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to drive standardized processes to help improve decision-making and maintain data integrity.
• Compliance, Reporting and Sustainability: You will support compliance audits and maintain sustainability of improvements. You will deliver reports and presentations to senior leadership and contribute to sustainability goals around energy, water, and waste reduction.

What We're Seeking

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles preferred.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of accountability and the ability to work independently or in team settings.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with a collaborative and coaching mindset.
• Ability to lead by influence, utilizing factual data to support initiatives and drive improvement efforts.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds. May require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, or 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 prolonged periods of time.

Relocation Package Available

Yes

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, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed 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.

Benefits and Development

Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

About Smithfield

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.