Process Improvement Engineer

Overview

Smithfield Foods is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We are looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply now!

Position

Process Improvement Engineer —you will be at the forefront of transforming manufacturing operations by unlocking efficiency, minimizing waste, and driving measurable cost savings across multiple facilities. In this high-impact role, you'll lead data-driven initiatives that optimize production systems and align with our strategic business goals. Through close collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on mentorship of plant personnel, you'll foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation—empowering teams to reach new heights of performance and operational excellence.

What You'll Do

The below statements describe the general nature and level of work and are not an exhaustive list of duties. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Process Optimization and Efficiency : Optimize plant performance by evaluating process efficiencies, conducting time and capacity studies, and using data-driven insights to improve labor and equipment utilization. Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and reduce production costs through detailed workflow analysis and lean methodology.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Initiatives : Lead process improvement initiatives using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping to drive operational efficiency and impact. Deploy and sustain MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles, supporting long-term cultural and organizational change through strategic improvement efforts.
• Training, Coaching, and Change Management : Facilitate training workshops that drive operational and cultural improvements across the organization. Mentor teams on lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies, empowering them to adopt sustainable, high-performance habits.
• Technology Integration and Systems : Assist in evaluating and implementing new equipment and technologies to enhance operational efficiency, while monitoring installations to ensure alignment with budget and technical specifications. Utilize tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and SAP to support process documentation, data analysis, and performance tracking.
• Data Analytics and Root Cause Investigation : Assist in root cause analysis and corrective action planning to resolve manufacturing and operational challenges. Transform data insights into actionable improvement projects using A3 methodology to drive measurable outcomes.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Standardization : Develop and maintain SOPs, work standards, and visual management systems to ensure consistency and clarity on the production floor. Establish and implement 'Best In Class' and 'Best Practice' methods to drive cost reduction and minimize process variability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Collaborate with operations, engineering, and corporate leadership to standardize processes and promote alignment across the organization. Strengthen data integrity and ensure consistent information flow to enhance cross-departmental decision-making.
• Compliance, Reporting, and Sustainability : Support compliance audits and ensure the long-term sustainability of implemented improvements, maintaining accountability across operations. Deliver regular updates and strategic reports to senior leadership, and advance environmental sustainability through initiatives that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste.

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.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

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