Project Engineering Manager

When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special—a company that sustainably feeds people worldwide while respecting people, animals, communities, and the planet.

As a Project Engineering Manager on our Engineering team, you will lead large‑scale, complex technical projects in the pork and packaged meat industry, driving innovation and operational excellence across iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous.

You’ll apply engineering principles, analyze data, draft strategic implementation plans, and optimize operations, ensuring projects stay on track, within budget, and meet evolving customer needs.

• Design Work
  :
  Develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates; conduct feasibility studies and economic analysis; ensure designs meet standards and codes; validate field work and generate as‑built drawings; review engineering submissions; manage project execution with vendors and contractors; coordinate schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors; collaborate with teams to implement plans.
• Design Implementation
  :
  Partner with vendors and contractors to plan layouts and meet utility requirements; review consultant work; recommend adjustments; maintain documentation of manuals, drawings, specs; manage vendor contacts.
• Reports and Proposals
  :
  Conduct planning and reviews during pre‑project phases; define scope of work, prepare and evaluate proposals; submit regular reports to management on project status.
• Bid Review and Project Preparation
  :
  Manage contract administration and review bid packages; prepare project documents (budget analyses, plans, schedules); monitor installations to ensure compliance with specifications and budget.
• People Management
  :
  Drive positive employee experience, leadership, employee development, coaching, and nurture a collaborative culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent education/experience) required.
• 2+ years of leadership experience with team development and management required.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.
• Proficiency in project management, contract administration, and national code interpretation.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
• Willingness to travel to other locations up to 50% of time.

• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable, team‑oriented while building strong relationships and a positive work environment.
• Proficient in engineering economics.
• Previous experience managing multi‑million‑dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

• Majority of time spent in an office setting outside the production plant; plant environment includes wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level usually moderate, can be loud in the production area.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands, talk or hear.

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 veteran 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.

Relocation Package Available:
Yes.