Associate Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Denison (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Denison, IA seeks an Associate Process Improvement Engineer to drive lean initiatives across multiple facilities.

You’ll apply data analytics, A3 problem solving, and Value Stream Mapping to streamline operations, improve quality, and reduce costs with cross-functional teams and senior leadership. The role emphasizes continuous improvement, training, and coaching to embed a culture of operational excellence and innovation across Smithfield Way principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles preferred.
• Must be able to perform essential duties with reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: assess plant efficiencies, analyze layouts and workflows, conduct time studies and capacity analyses.
• Continuous Improvement: lead Kaizen events and value stream mapping, deploy lean transformation.
• Data analysis: assist root cause analysis and identify data-driven improvement projects.
• Technology and systems: support new equipment and ensure compliance with budget and specs.
• SOPs and development: create and maintain standard operating procedures and best practices.

Skills

Data analytics

Lean manufacturing

A3 problem solving

Kaizen events

Value Stream Mapping

Cross-functional collaboration

MS Excel

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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:

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; 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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role! At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. \"Good food. Responsibly.\"® is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

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.

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.

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