Senior Project Engineer

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an experienced Engineer to lead design and project management efforts in our meat processing operations.

You will develop engineering designs, cost estimates, and feasibility studies, while coordinating with vendors and plant teams to ensure timely delivery and compliance with standards. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of experience, with travel to other locations (about 50% of the time) and strong knowledge of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience; equivalent education/experience acceptable.
• Knowledge of engineering principles related to food processing and meat industry preferred.
• Project management and contract administration skills; ability to read codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Design engineering designs, material specs, and cost estimates; conduct feasibility studies.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule.
• Direct vendors on layout planning and utility requirements; maintain documentation.
• Prepare proposals, evaluate bids, and monitor installations for specs and budgets.
• Manage project budgets and contracts to meet financial targets.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Engineering principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

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:

As a key member of our dynamic Engineering team, you will dive into data analysis and design innovative implementation plans to optimize production processes. Your mission? Maximize efficiency, eliminate waste, and reduce operating costs - all while ensuring that our world-class brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous, continue to exceed the expectations of our customers and consumers. You’ll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to develop cutting-edge technical projects that transform the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether leading a small team on medium to large-scale projects or taking charge of a more complex initiative, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving success. While you’re fully capable of working independently and making impactful decisions, you’ll also collaborate with senior leaders when facing complex challenges, ensuring every project is executed with precision. If you're ready to apply your engineering skills to revolutionize manufacturing, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver exceptional results for some of the most iconic brands in the industry, we want you on our team!

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Design and Project Management: You'll develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates. You'll also conduct feasibility studies and research to support design choices. You will be responsible for ensuring designs meet required standards and codes, validating field work and creating as-built drawings. You will review engineering submissions for accuracy and compliance, coordinate project activities with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule and collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.

Design Implementation and Coordination: You will be accountable for directing vendors and contractors on layout planning and utility requirements. You'll reviews consultant work and suggest changes as needed and maintain documentation, including manuals, drawings, specs, and vendor contacts.

Reports, Proposals, and Project Preparation: You'll conduct planning and operational reviews during pre-project phases, define project scope, prepare proposals, and evaluate bids. You'll also submit regular status reports to management, assist with contract administration and prepares project documents and monitor installations to ensure they meet specs, budgets, and timelines.

Budget and Contract Management: You will manage project budgets to ensure financial targets are met.

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, Engineering Management, or related field and 5+ years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred. 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. Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable. Proficient in engineering economics. Proficient in AutoCAD. Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• 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.

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.

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. 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.