Utilities Engineer

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Sioux Falls, Northern (SD, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Utilities Engineer to optimize utility systems, focusing on industrial refrigeration, boilers, and compressed air.

The role requires collaboration with multiple facilities, travel to other locations (about 50%), and hands-on design and implementation of improvements at our Sioux Falls site. You’ll analyze data, craft implementation plans, and drive projects that eliminate waste and reduce costs while ensuring regulatory compliance and safe operation of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 2+ years of experience in related field.
• RETA CIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) or IIAR2 certification or equivalent required.
• Theoretical understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and practical application in plant environments.
• Strong math, writing, analytical skills; capable of working with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support and collaborate with US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities on utilities projects.
• Design and implement refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air improvements.
• Plan, budget, and optimize utility systems; perform load, charge and relief calculations.
• Research new technologies and support operations management with data-driven insights.

Skills

Industrial refrigeration

Process engineering

Data analysis

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

RETA CIRO certification

IIAR2 certification

Garden City Program Operator II certification

Job description

## Utilities EngineerApply: Onsite: Sioux Falls, SD: Full time: Posted Today: R-2026-13606**If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.**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. **Apply Now!**## **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!## **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. 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.