Plant Engineer

Smithfield Foods; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Package Available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in North Carolina is seeking an experienced engineering leader to oversee maintenance and capital projects in a fast-paced plant environment.

You will drive preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, and modernize systems while guiding a skilled team to improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• At least 2+ years in team management or project leadership.
• Strong leadership, planning, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Advanced technical knowledge in mechanical/electrical fields (PLCs, instrumentation).
• Experience with maintenance systems, work orders, TPM, and related practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from concept to completion while minimizing plant disruption.
• Develop and implement maintenance programs (preventive, predictive, TPM).
• Inspire and coach maintenance staff; enforce safety and policies.
• Drive KPI tracking for equipment reliability and throughput.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Provide flexible leadership during absences to maintain operations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLCs & Instrumentation

MS Office

Job description

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

Join our dynamic Engineering team and become a key player in driving innovation and efficiency! You'll dive into data analysis and craft implementation plans that optimize production processes, ensuring we maximize resources and minimize waste directly impacting our operating costs. 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.

As the leader of the maintenance and engineering department in a fast‑paced plant, you'll maintain top‑tier building and equipment performance, reduce mechanical downtime, and ensure seamless product flow. You'll lead the charge in developing and implementing cutting‑edge maintenance systems—Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, and more—driving our plant to new heights as part of a high‑performing manufacturing organization. As the leader of engineering activities you will also ensure our facilities remain state‑of‑the‑art, developing and executing highly innovative technology projects. In this role, you won't just manage maintenance—you'll elevate it to new levels of efficiency and innovation!

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Engineering Project Development: Take ownership of capital projects from concept to completion, manage and schedule all project elements to ensure minimal disruption to plant operations, and deliver projects on time, on budget, and without compromising safety, food safety, or environmental standards.
• Maintenance Systems: Lead the charge in developing and implementing cutting‑edge maintenance systems that keep our plant operating at peak performance. Drive the implementation of Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, TPM and other high‑impact strategies, ensuring optimal scheduling that maximizes task completion while minimizing downtime.
• Maintenance Staff and Safety: Inspire and manage the maintenance team by delegating tasks, enforcing policies, and guiding work assignments. Champion a safety‑first culture and enforce company policies to maintain full compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Solutions: Provide both short‑term fixes and long‑term solutions to everyday operational challenges. Troubleshoot, conduct problem analysis, and address equipment failures to keep production lines humming and minimize recurring issues.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking KPIs that measure the success of the maintenance function, including equipment reliability, supplier performance, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Leadership and Flexibility: Step in seamlessly when key personnel are absent, ensuring that all tasks are completed or delegated appropriately to guarantee smooth and uninterrupted plant operations.
• People Management: Drive a positive employee experience through leadership, employee development, and coaching.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering or a related field and 8+ years' relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management / development or project leadership.
• High level of leadership skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Advanced technical skills in mechanical/electrical fields (e.g., PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering) and the ability to lead resource‑planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, and related practices.
• Ability to use exposure monitoring equipment, interpret and communicate results.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable, team‑oriented, and enthusiastic about building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, 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 the 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.

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.