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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.
As an Associate Process Improvement Engineer, you’ll be a driving force behind high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and operations. Leveraging your expertise in engineering principles, data analytics, and lean methodologies, you’ll identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance product quality, and reduce operational costs across multiple facilities. In this collaborative role, you’ll work alongside cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement continuous improvement strategies and cultivate a culture of operational excellence and innovation.
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.
Process Optimization: You will evaluate and enhance plant efficiencies by analyzing workforce utilization, facility layouts, and operational workflows; conducting time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments; and identifying lean waste elimination opportunities through data-driven process improvement methods.
Continuous Improvement and Lean Initiatives: You will implement process improvements using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen events, and Value Stream Mapping, while deploying and sustaining MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles. You will also support cultural and operational change by driving continuous improvement strategies that embed excellence across the organization.
Data Analysis and Problem Solving: You will assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions and use data insights to generate actionable projects using A3 methodology.
Technology and Systems: You will be responsible for ensuring and helping implement new equipment or technologies to improve production. You will monitor new installations and compliance with budget and specifications.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Development: You will create and maintain Standard Operations Procedures, work standards, and visual management systems and establish "best in class" and "best practice" standards to optimize production.
Training and Coaching: You will participate in and facilitate training workshops to promote cultural and operational improvements through knowledge sharing.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to drive standardized processes to help improve decision-making and maintain data integrity.
Compliance, Reporting and Sustainability: You will support compliance audits and maintain sustainability of improvements. You will deliver reports and presentations to senior leadership and contribute to sustainability goals around energy, water, and waste reduction.
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 a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles preferred.
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Must be a self-starter with a high level of accountability and the ability to work independently or in team settings.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with a collaborative and coaching mindset.
Ability to lead by influence, utilizing factual data to support initiatives and drive improvement efforts.
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.
Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.
May require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, or working in varying temperature conditions.
Exposure to mechanical parts, airborne particles, and factory noise during site visits.
Willingness to work in both office and production environments for prolonged periods of time.
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.
Check out this video to learn more about this role!
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Currently enrolled college student with anticipated graduation by the end of the current school year may qualify
- Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Ability to work independently and in team settings
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with a collaborative and coaching mindset
- Ability to lead by influence using factual data to support improvement initiatives
- Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds
- Willingness to work in office and production environments, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, varying temperatures, mechanical parts, airborne particles, and factory noise
Smithfield Foods Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Smithfield Foods and has not been reviewed or approved by Smithfield Foods.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support stands out as a strong component of the package, with a 401(k) match repeatedly characterized as competitive. This element is portrayed as a meaningful contributor to overall total rewards beyond base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare offerings are described as comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, prescription, disability, and life coverage. Insurance quality is often positioned as a notable strength relative to other parts of the employment experience.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Compensation is frequently framed as competitive for the industry, particularly for skilled trades and certain salaried roles. Overtime availability is depicted as a major lever that can materially increase take-home pay in many settings.
Smithfield Foods Insights
What We Do
Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly®" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. 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.
