Associate Process Improvement Engineer

The position offers the opportunity to join a company focused on sustainably feeding people around the world, producing food responsibly with respect for people, animals, communities, and the planet. Smithfield provides a culture grounded in gratitude, communication, respect, and accountability, with a commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation.

About the role

As an Associate Process Improvement Engineer, you’ll drive high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and operations. Leveraging 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. This collaborative role involves working with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement continuous improvement strategies and foster a culture of operational excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and enhance plant efficiencies by analyzing workforce utilization, facility layouts, and operational workflows; conduct time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments; and identify lean waste elimination opportunities through data-driven process improvement methods.
• Implement process improvements using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen events, and Value Stream Mapping; deploy and sustain MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles.
• Support cultural and operational change by driving continuous improvement strategies that embed excellence across the organization.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions; use data insights to generate actionable projects using A3 methodology.
• Ensure and help implement new equipment or technologies to improve production; monitor new installations and compliance with budget and specifications.
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work standards, and visual management systems; establish "best in class" and "best practice" standards to optimize production.
• Participate in and facilitate training workshops to promote cultural and operational improvements through knowledge sharing.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to drive standardized processes, improve decision-making, and maintain data integrity.
• Support compliance audits and maintain sustainability of improvements; deliver reports and presentations to senior leadership.
• Contribute to sustainability goals around energy, water, and waste reduction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by the end of the current school year may also be considered.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles preferred.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate at 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

• 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.