Senior Utilities Reliability Engineer (Remote)

Smithfield Foods; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in the United States seeks a Sr. Utilities Engineer to optimize and manage utility systems across facilities, focusing on industrial refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems—ensuring their design, development, operation, and optimization.

You’ll troubleshoot and implement new projects, provide regulatory guidance, and drive safe, compliant, cost‑effective utilities while supporting production of Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan’s Famous brands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required with 5+ years in operations, maintenance and optimization of ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Certification in Industrial Refrigeration (RETA CIRO/IIAR) or equivalent is required.
• Strong analytical, math and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support & Collaboration: Work with US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities and project engineering on capital infrastructure plans.
• Design & Implementation: Develop equipment designs, obtain quotes, schedule work, and standardize system requirements.
• Planning & Budgeting: Assist in budgeting for utilities engineering projects and optimize utility systems.
• Research, Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Test new tech, analyze complex operations, and drive improvements.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration

Boiler systems

Project engineering

Regulatory compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

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

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

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.

• 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.

IndSPR-Corp

Relocation Package Available No

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.