Director, Plant Engineering

The Value You’ll Bring

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Join our dynamic Engineering team and become a key player in driving innovation and efficiency!

You’ll analyze data, optimize production processes, and reduce waste—directly impacting operating costs. Collaborate across teams to drive strategic initiatives, tackle complex challenges, and ensure excellence in maintenance and capital budget management.

You’ll ensure peak equipment performance and minimal downtime. You’ll implement advanced systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance and TPM, propelling our plant toward high performance.

Your leadership will build and guide a top-tier team, driving operational excellence and shaping the future of manufacturing. Your contributions will power the manufacturing of iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and more, helping us meet the demands of customers and consumers alike.

What You’ll Do

• Engineering Project Development: Lead capital projects from concept to completion—on time, on budget, and with zero compromise on safety, food safety, or environmental standards. You’ll manage all phases to minimize operational disruption and enhance plant capabilities through impactful, strategic improvements.
• Maintenance Systems: Drive the development and execution of advanced maintenance strategies—including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance and TPM—to keep operations running at peak performance. Your leadership will reduce downtime, boost efficiency, and ensure seamless, reliable production.
• Maintenance Staff and Safety: Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective task delegation, policy enforcement, and safety-first planning. Your leadership ensures efficient, compliant operations aligned with Smithfield’s standards and all regulatory requirements.
• Solutions: Become the ultimate problem solver for daily operational challenges. From troubleshooting to long-term fixes, your proactive approach will minimize recurring issues and keep production running smoothly.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Drive continuous improvement by developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators that measure the success of the maintenance function. From equipment reliability to supplier performance and overall equipment effectiveness, your insights will be crucial for maintaining peak performance across all areas of the plant.
• People Management and Leadership: Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, performance management, and collaboration with HR. Foster a culture of safety, communication, and recognition while building a diverse, empowered workforce. Step in seamlessly when needed to ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.

What We’re Seeking

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Candidates with a Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 8+ years of relevant experience will be considered qualified.
• 5+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
• Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical/electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and SAP.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High level of written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Able to communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

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.

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.

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

IndSPR-Corp 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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!