Project Engineering Manager

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Project Engineering Manager to lead large-scale technical projects in the pork and packaged meat industry. You will direct a team of engineers, oversee design, development, and implementation of innovative solutions, and collaborate across management and engineering teams to drive success.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 5+ years of experience, including leadership. Travel up to 50% is expected as part of cross-location collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years in a leadership role including team development and management.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

Responsibilities

• Design engineering designs, material specs, and cost estimates for projects.
• Plan layouts with vendors/contractors and maintain documentation (manuals, drawings, specs).
• Review consultant work and coordinate project schedules with plant personnel.
• Define scope, prepare proposals, and report project status to management.
• Lead and coach a team to foster positive employee experience.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical reasoning

Adaptability

Travel 50%

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

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

Join our Engineering team and become a driving force in transforming production processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste—directly impacting our bottom line and helping us stay at the cutting edge of the industry. You’ll analyze data, draft strategic implementation plans, and tackle challenges head‑on to optimize operations, all while playing a key role in the manufacturing of our iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and more. Your work will be essential in meeting the ever-evolving needs of our customers and consumers!

As a Project Engineering Manager, you’ll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to lead and execute large‑scale, complex technical projects within the pork and packaged meat industry. With the opportunity to lead a team of talented engineers either directly and indirectly, you’ll oversee the design, development, and implementation of innovative solutions. Your experience will allow you to work independently on most tasks, stepping in for guidance only on the most intricate challenges. Using your deep knowledge, you’ll spot potential risks and trends early, proactively crafting effective solutions to keep projects on track and drive success across the board.

This is your chance to have a huge impact, drive innovation, and shape the future of one of the nation’s leading consumer packaged goods companies!

What You’ll Do

• Design Work: You'll develop engineering designs, material specs, and project cost estimates. Conducts feasibility studies and economic analysis to support designs. You'll ensure designs meet required standards and codes and validate field work and create as-built drawings. You'll also review engineering submissions for accuracy and completeness. Manage project execution by directing vendors and contractors. Coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors. Collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.
• Design Implementation: You'll partner with vendors and contractors to plan layouts and meet utility requirements. Review consultant work and recommend adjustments and maintain documentation (manuals, drawings, specs, etc.) and vendor contacts.
• Reports and Proposals: You'll also conduct planning and reviews during pre-project phases. Define scope of work, prepare and evaluate proposals. Submit regular reports to management on project status.
• Bid Review and Project Preparation: Manage contract administration and reviews bid packages. You'll also prepare project documents (budget analyses, plans, schedules, etc.) and monitor installations to ensure they meet specifications and stay within budget.
• People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

What We’re Seeking

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
• Proficient in AutoCAD.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• 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.
• Proficient in engineering economics.
• Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. 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.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands, and talk or hear.

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000 annually.

Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package.

Learn more about our benefits package here.

• 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.