Director, Engineering

Position Overview

As Director, Engineering, you will lead engineering operations across a key functional area, ensuring the efficient use of engineering resources to achieve world‑class performance in our plants. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to drive strategic initiatives, resolve complex challenges, and ensure top‑tier execution in everything from maintenance to capital budget management.

• Lead engineering teams in various engineering disciplines across plants to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Operations, HR, Safety, etc.) to achieve company goals.
• Oversee and manage capital and maintenance budgets and project planning.
• Drive engineering performance to meet operational goals efficiently and cost‑effectively.
• Create and implement short‑ and long‑term operational plans to meet customer and quality standards.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve operational performance with internal and external resources.
• Provide clear direction on processes, schedules, and priorities for engineering teams.
• Develop and enforce best practices for engineering development.
• Ensure facilities comply with internal and external engineering standards and regulations.
• Analyze asset age and utilization data to structure models on optimal replacement timing and methods to increase asset longevity.
• Lead and motivate engineering teams to achieve business objectives and deliver solutions on time and on budget.
• Partner with HR to develop leadership programs, manage performance, and build a diverse, high‑performing workforce.
• Foster a culture of workplace safety, open communication, empowerment, and recognition.
• Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business or related field and 10+ years of experience in engineering management (or equivalent).
• 5+ years of leadership experience, including team development and management.
• Prior experience in an engineer role required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP.
• Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, written and oral communication, team, analytical reasoning, and adaptability skills.
• Ability to explain technical ideas to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills.
• Work well in fast paced, dynamic environments; respectful, approachable and team oriented.
• Travel to other locations up to 50% of the time.

• Professional Engineer licensure.
• Knowledge of pork products and the meat industry.

The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment includes wet, humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or chemicals. Reasonable accommodation is available. Employees must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift up to 25 lbs, reach with hands and arms, and have close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision.

Yes. Relocation package available.

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, disability status or any other protected group status. 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 757‑357‑1595.