Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Benefits package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Utilities Engineer to optimize refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems across our US facilities. You will design, implement, and improve utility infrastructure while ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Engineering, ammonia refrigeration expertise, and 5+ years in operations and maintenance, with up to 50% travel. Smithfield offers relocation assistance and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of related experience in operations, maintenance and optimization of Ammonia Refrigeration systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• RETA CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) certification, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.
• ANSI/IIAR2 certification, Garden City Program Operator II certification, or equivalent certification from another nationally recognized ammonia training program; required.
• Possess a deep theoretical understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and can apply that knowledge to the roles and responsibilities of the position.
• Strong reading, math, writing, analytical skill required.
• Perform assigned tasks efficiently with minimum supervision.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

Responsibilities

• May perform other duties as assigned.
• Support US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities; coordinate with facilities teams and project engineering on Capital Infrastructure Plans.
• Engage refrigeration engineering resources during design and development of projects.
• Assist facilities and PSM Management Team in compliance-related issues as requested.
• Design and implement designs including equipment selection, quotes, and scheduling; standardize equipment.
• Plan and budget for utilities projects and optimize facilities operating requirements.
• Research and test new technology; assess complex operations and support Operations management.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration

Boiler systems

Compressed air

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Travel 50%

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

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 position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Ready to Make an Impact at Smithfield Foods? Are you a creative, self-driven engineering professional who thrives in fast-paced environments? Do you enjoy cultivating new ideas and collaborating with key stakeholders to drive business growth? If so, Smithfield Foods, a $15 billion global food leader and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer, is the place for you! Join us and be part of a company that's dedicated to innovation, quality, and meeting the needs of customers around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

As a Sr. Utilities Engineer, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and managing utility systems across our facilities. Your focus will be on industrial refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems—ensuring their design, development, operation, and optimization. You'll have the opportunity to troubleshoot and improve existing systems, implement new projects, and provide valuable guidance on regulatory matters. This is your chance to make a direct impact on the success of our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our systems are efficient, safe, and compliant, all while helping us deliver top-quality products from Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and other trusted brands to consumers around the world.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• May perform other duties as assigned.
• Support & Collaboration: You'll support all US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities as required. Work directly with facilities teams and project engineering on developing Capital Infrastructure Plans. Engage professional refrigeration engineering resources during the design and development of projects. Assist facilities and PSM Management Team in compliance-related issues as requested.
• Design & Implementation: Assist in developing designs including selecting equipment, obtaining quotes, and scheduling work as requested. Develop and assist in the implementation of resolutions to issues related to facility refrigeration systems. Implement new systems and standardize equipment requirements.
• Planning & Budgeting: Assist with the planning and budgeting process for various utilities engineering improvement projects, with the goal of meeting project expectations and time requirements. Optimize utility systems based on facility operating requirements.
• Research, Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Research and assist in testing new technology. Assess and understand complex operations and systems to support Operations management. Identify and correct deficiencies within existing systems by performing load, charge, and relief calculations. Leads multiple efforts in different fields, ensuring adherence to proper protocols and practices.

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 or related field and 5+ years of related experience in operations, maintenance and optimization of Ammonia Refrigeration systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• RETA CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) certification, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.
• ANSI/IIAR2 certification, Garden City Program Operator II certification, or equivalent certification from another nationally recognized ammonia training program; required.
• Possess a deep theoretical understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and can apply that knowledge to the roles and responsibilities of the position.
• Strong reading, math, writing, analytical skill required.
• Perform assigned tasks efficiently with minimum supervision.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

Electrical experience and troubleshooting in low and high voltage circuits, motors, and controls. Waste water operations experience is 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. Must be able to work at elevated heights. 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.

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. Learn more about our benefits package here. Relocation Package Available.

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.