Project Engineer

Are you a visionary, results-driven engineering professional who thrives in dynamic, high-energy environments? Do you excel at bringing fresh ideas to life and collaborating with key stakeholders to drive business growth? If so, we want you to join Smithfield Foods, one of the nation’s top consumer packaged goods companies!

As a member of our innovative Engineering team, you’ll have the opportunity to transform the way we operate—analyzing data, crafting cutting-edge implementation plans, and driving production process optimization to make a tangible impact on our bottom line. Your focus will be on maximizing efficiencies and eliminating waste, directly reducing operating costs while helping to shape the future of our industry-leading brands, including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and more.

In this role, you'll apply your engineering expertise, leveraging the principles of science and mathematics to design and develop next-level technical solutions for the pork and packaged meat industry. Whether working as part of a project team or taking full ownership of a project section, you’ll bring your innovative ideas to life and lead small teams to success. As you advance, you may even take full responsibility for managing small to medium-sized projects, helping us scale up while continuously improving processes to meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumers.

If you're ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, Smithfield Foods is the place for you to take your engineering career to the next level!

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 Work You'll develop preliminary engineering designs and material specifications. Prepare project cost estimates and conduct research, feasibility studies, and economic analysis for designs. Determines design criteria based on required standards and codes. Performs field work and translates completed projects into as-built drawings. Reviews engineering projects submitted by plants for accuracy and compliance. Acts as project manager when needed. Collaborates with management and engineering staff to implement plans.

• Design Implementation Coordinates with equipment vendors to plan layouts and ensure installation schedules are met. Reviews consultants’ work and recommends necessary adjustments.

• Reports and Proposals Conducts engineering planning, design, and operational studies during pre-project phases. Defines the scope of work and prepares, evaluates proposals. Submits weekly status reports to management on schedule.

• Review of Bids and Project Preparation Assists with contract administration and reviews bid packages. Prepares project documents such as justifications, budget analyses, and schedules. Monitors installations to ensure they meet specifications and stay within budget. Manages assigned budget activities.

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

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

• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.

• Proficient in engineering economics.

• Proficient in AutoCAD.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

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

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

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Strong knowledge of meat processing, case ready and packaged meats.

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

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

• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may act as a lead by providing training and guidance to other Project Engineers or Plant staff.