Senior Packaging Engineer

Smithfield Foods; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer in Virginia. In this role, you will analyze data, optimize production processes, and implement packaging technologies, directly impacting our bottom line.

You will collaborate with various teams to develop best practices and promote innovation in packaging processes. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years in packaging engineering, preferably in the food industry.

The expected salary range is $85,000 - $120,000 annually, reflecting the comprehensive rewards package offered to employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in process and packaging equipment.
• Experience in the food industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute packaging technology strategies from concept to commercialization.
• Build and maintain relationships to implement engineering initiatives.
• Develop and maintain equipment specifications for packaging equipment.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Research and development

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Packaging testing methodology

Job description

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING

As the Senior Packaging Engineer, you'll play a key role in analyzing data and drafting implementation plans to optimize our production processes. Your mission is to maximize efficiencies by eliminating waste and reducing operating costs, directly impacting our bottom line. You'll be instrumental in the manufacturing of our renowned brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan's Famous, ensuring we meet the needs of our customers and consumers.

In this role, you'll interface with our operating facilities and suppliers to develop and implement best practices for packaging equipment and materials. Your expertise will help us maintain high standards and innovate in our packaging processes.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Strategy and Execution: You will be responsible for designing and executing packaging technology strategies from concept to commercialization, including growth initiatives, quality improvements, productivity/cost-reduction activities, troubleshooting activities, and general packaging support, as needed. You will conduct trials to ensure efficient and effective execution.
• Relationship Building: You will build and maintain relationships with internal and external resources in order to cost‑effectively implement engineering and equipment initiatives. You will routinely communicate with members of Operations, Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, Engineering and Quality Assurance to report progress on projects and receive feedback to develop product that meet expectations.
• Best Practices and Innovation: You will leverage best practices and capitalize on technologies with cross‑functional, cross‑site business applications. You will promote innovative thinking to generate unique and value‑added ideas for existing or new products.
• Equipment and Specifications: You will develop and maintain equipment specifications to determine overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) on packaging equipment.
• Mentorship: You will act as a lead by training, mentoring, and providing guidance to less experienced packaging engineers.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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 related field and 5+ years related experience in process and packaging equipment required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations depending on the initiative being executed.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Broad knowledge of packaging materials, equipment and manufacturing processes including plant layouts.
• Experience in the food industry, preferred.
• General knowledge of food science, processing and manufacturing, preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management, project management, organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Possesses good research and development capabilities, including experimental design, familiarity with packaging testing methodology and experience in commercialization.
• 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.
• Ability to understand and manipulate both packaging and pallet specifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. In more physically demanding roles, this weight may go up to 70 pounds.
• Standing: You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visits or meetings.
• Weather Conditions: Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements.
• Terrain: If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential.

The expected pay range for this position is $85,000 - $120,000 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.

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.