Strategic Project Engineering Manager

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.

Are you passionate about technology and innovation in industrial equipment automation? We are looking for a Strategic Project Manager to join our dynamic team, where you'll play a key role in driving cutting‑edge automation projects for the pork industry.

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with business partners and cross‑functional teams to understand automation needs and translate them into innovative solutions. As a trusted authority in project management with equipment automation, this role tackles the most complex challenges, turning visionary concepts into reality.

• Design Work: You will be responsible for developing preliminary designs and specifications for engineering and materials, while also preparing project cost estimates. Your work involves conducting research, feasibility studies, and economic studies to ensure the design is both viable and cost-effective. You will determine design criteria based on required standards and codes, and validate field work, creating as‑built drawings to document the final outcome.
  
  You will review and check engineering projects for accuracy and soundness and manage project execution by guiding vendors and contractors. Additionally, you will coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors, ensuring alignment with management and engineering teams to successfully implement plans.

• Design Implementation: You will be accountable for coordinating and providing direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, ensure utility requirements are met, and maintain installation schedules. You will also review work products submitted by consultants, offering recommendations for adjustments as necessary. Additionally, you will maintain comprehensive documentation, including equipment manuals, mechanical and electrical drawings, parts lists, specifications, and vendor/service contact information, ensuring all project details are properly organized and accessible.

• Reports and Proposals: You will conduct engineering planning, design, and operational reviews during pre‑project studies to assess feasibility and ensure alignment with project goals. You will determine the scope of work, prepare requests for proposals, and evaluate the proposals received to select the best approach. Additionally, you will submit detailed reports to management by established deadlines, keeping them informed on progress and key project developments.

• Review of Bids and Project Preparation: You are responsible for contract administration, including reviewing bid packages to ensure compliance and completeness. You will prepare essential project documents, such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, and schedules, to guide project execution. You will monitor installations to ensure that proposal specifications and budgets are met, and you manage assigned budget activities to maintain financial control and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
  
  You'll also continuously improves upon robotic and controls knowledge to execute innovative solutions.

• People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering, or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• 2+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.

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

• Knowl…