Senior Project Engineer

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
3 Locations
In-Office
85K-120K Annually
Senior level
Food
The Role
Lead engineering projects to optimize meat-processing production: develop designs, specifications, cost estimates, manage budgets and contractors, validate field work, prepare reports, and coordinate implementation. Requires AutoCAD, project management, and frequent travel to plants (about 50%).
Summary Generated by Built In

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:

As a key member of our dynamic Engineering team, you will dive into data analysis and design innovative implementation plans to optimize production processes. Your mission? Maximize efficiency, eliminate waste, and reduce operating costs—all while ensuring that our world-class brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous, continue to exceed the expectations of our customers and consumers.

You’ll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to develop cutting-edge technical projects that transform the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether leading a small team on medium to large-scale projects or taking charge of a critical portion of a more complex initiative, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving success. While you’re fully capable of working independently and making impactful decisions, you’ll also collaborate with senior leaders when facing complex challenges, ensuring every project is executed with precision.

If you're ready to apply your engineering skills to revolutionize manufacturing, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver exceptional results for some of the most iconic brands in the industry, we want you on our team!

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.

  • Design and Project Management: You'll develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates. You'll also conduct feasibility studies and research to support design choices. You will be responsible for ensuring designs meet required standards and codes, validating field work and creating as-built drawings. You will review engineering submissions for accuracy and compliance, coordinate project activities with vendors, contractors, and plant teams to stay on schedule and collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.

  • Design Implementation and Coordination: You will be accountable for directing vendors and contractors on layout planning and utility requirements. You'll reviews consultant work and suggest changes as needed and maintain documentation, including manuals, drawings, specs, and vendor contacts.

  • Reports, Proposals, and Project Preparation: You'll conduct planning and operational reviews during pre-project phases, define project scope, prepare proposals, and evaluate bids. You'll also submit regular status reports to management, assist with contract administration and prepares project documents and monitor installations to ensure they meet specs, budgets, and timelines.

  • Budget and Contract Management: You will manage project budgets to ensure financial targets are met.

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 5+ years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

  • Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

  • Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.

  • Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills. Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.

  • Proficient in engineering economics.

  • Proficient in AutoCAD.

  • Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.

  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. 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.

IndSPR-Corp

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 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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field
  • 5+ years of engineering experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Project Management skills
  • Contract Administration skills
  • National codes and standards interpretation skills
  • Proficient in AutoCAD
  • Proficient in engineering economics
  • Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling
  • Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues
  • Willingness/ability to travel to other locations (~50% of the time)
  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry
  • Previous experience managing multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent written and oral communication, organizational planning, teamwork, and analytical reasoning

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Smithfield, VA
6,582 Employees
Year Founded: 1936

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.

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