Utilities Engineer

Smithfield Support Services Corp; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Utilities Engineer to optimize utility systems (refrigeration, boilers, compressed air) across US facilities. You will analyze data, design, implement projects, and drive regulatory compliance while traveling to sites as needed.

Join a team focused on sustainability, innovation, and cost-effective operations within a leading food producer, with opportunities to influence multiple plants and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; 2+ years' experience preferred.
• RETA CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) certification required.
• ANSI/IIAR2 certification or equivalent ammonia training program required.
• Strong understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and analytics ability.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Support US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities with utility engineering.
• Develop Capital Infrastructure Plans with facilities and project engineering.
• Collaborate with refrigeration resources during project design and development.
• Assist Facilities and PSM Management in compliance matters.

Skills

Engineering degree

2+ years experience

RETA CIRO

ANSI/IIAR2

Garden City Program Operator II

Industrial refrigeration knowledge

Strong analytical skills

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. Are you an innovative, self-driven engineering professional who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments? Do you have a passion for turning ideas into reality and working alongside a team of visionary leaders to drive business growth? Then join Smithfield Foods, one of the nation’s top 25 consumer packaged goods companies, and make your mark in the world of food production! As a member of our Engineering team, you’ll be at the heart of optimizing production processes and maximizing operational efficiency. You’ll analyze data, craft implementation plans, and identify cutting-edge solutions to eliminate waste and reduce costs. Your efforts will directly impact the manufacturing of iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and more—helping us deliver top-quality products to customers and consumers across the globe. As a Utilities Engineer at Smithfield, you’ll specialize in managing and optimizing utility systems, with a focus on industrial refrigeration, boilers, and compressed air systems. You’ll play a key role in designing, developing, and implementing innovative projects while troubleshooting and fine-tuning existing systems. Your expertise will also guide regulatory compliance efforts, ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently. Join us and become a part of a team that’s not only shaping the future of food production but also creating solutions that drive sustainability, innovation, and industry-leading performance!

Support & Collaboration:

• You’ll support all US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities as required.
• You’ll also Work directly with facilities teams and project engineering on developing Capital Infrastructure Plans.
• You’ll also 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 & Optimization:

• 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.
• Identify and correct deficiencies within existing systems by performing load, charge, and relief calculations.

Research & Continuous Improvement:

• You’ll also research and assist in testing new technology.
• Assess and understand complex operations and systems to support Operations management.

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 2+ years of experience; 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 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance for the overall direction and coordination of the Engineering staff at the plant(s).

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. In addition, applicants cannot be color blind due to troubleshooting electrical circuits and control systems. 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.

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 inSmithfield, 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.