Director, Plant Engineering

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Sioux Falls, Northern (SD, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Be Well programs

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Scholarship program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a senior Engineering leader to head maintenance and engineering in a fast-paced plant. You will drive capital projects, advanced maintenance strategies, and a culture of safety and reliability across the facility.

You will lead a high-performing team, collaborate across functions, and ensure operational excellence while delivering cost efficiencies and responsible leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering, Business or related field.
• Master’s degree with relevant experience is advantageous.
• 5+ years in a leadership role with team development and management.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion with safety, budget, and schedule in mind.
• Develop and execute advanced maintenance strategies (Preventive, Predictive, TPM).
• Lead maintenance staff, enforce safety and compliance, and develop talent.
• Solve daily operational issues and implement long-term improvements.
• Track KPIs to measure maintenance performance and plant reliability.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Communication

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

MS Office

PLCs

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. Join our dynamic Engineering team and become a key player in driving innovation and efficiency! You'll analyze data, optimize production processes, and reduce waste directly impacting operating costs. Collaborate across teams to drive strategic initiatives, tackle complex challenges, and ensure excellence in maintenance and capital budget management. As the head of Maintenance and Engineering in a fast-paced plant, you'll ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime. You'll implement advanced systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance and TPM, propelling our plant toward high performance. Your leadership will build and guide a top-tier team, driving operational excellence and shaping the future of manufacturing. Your contributions will power the manufacturing of iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and more, helping us meet the demands of customers and consumers alike.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Engineering Project Development: Lead capital projects from concept to completion - on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards. You'll manage all phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through impactful, strategic improvements.
• Maintenance Systems: Drive the development and execution of advanced maintenance strategies - including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance and TPM - to keep operations running at peak performance. Your leadership will reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and ensure seamless, reliable production.
• Maintenance Staff and Safety: Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective task delegation, policy enforcement, and safety-first planning. Your leadership ensures efficient, compliant operations aligned with Smithfield's standards and all regulatory requirements.
• Solutions: Become the ultimate problem solver for daily operational challenges. From troubleshooting to long-term fixes, your proactive approach will minimize recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of the maintenance function. From equipment reliability to supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness, your insights will be crucial for maintaining peak performance across all areas of the plant.
• People Management and Leadership: Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR. Foster a culture of safety, communication, and recognition while building a diverse, empowered workforce. Step in seamlessly when needed to ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
• 5+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical/electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Knowledge of different pork products and the Meat Industry, preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

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. Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

IndSPR-Corp Relocation Package Available Yes

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.

• 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.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people.

Good food. Responsibly.

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.

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.