Senior Utilities Project Engineer

About the Role

As a Sr. Utilities Engineer, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and managing utility systems across our facilities. Your focus will be on industrial refrigeration, boiler, and compressed air systems—ensuring their design, development, operation, and optimization.

This is your chance to make a direct impact on the success of our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our systems are efficient, safe, and compliant, all while helping us deliver top‑quality products from Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and other trusted brands to consumers worldwide.

• Support &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  You’ll support all US Fresh and Packaged Meat Facilities as required, working directly with facilities teams and project engineering on developing Capital Infrastructure Plans; engaging professional refrigeration engineering resources during design and development; and assisting facilities and PSM Management Team with compliance‑related issues as requested.
• Design & Implementation: Assist in developing designs, selecting equipment, obtaining quotes, and scheduling work; developing and implementing resolutions to issues related to facility refrigeration systems; and implementing new systems and standardizing equipment requirements.
• Planning & Budgeting: Assist with the planning and budgeting process for various utilities engineering improvement projects, with the goal of meeting project expectations and time requirements; and optimizing utility systems based on facility operating requirements.
• Research, Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Research and assist in testing new technology; assess and understand complex operations and systems to support Operations management; identify and correct deficiencies within existing systems by performing load, charge, and relief calculations; and lead multiple efforts in different fields, ensuring adherence to proper protocols and practices.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of related experience in operations, maintenance and optimization of ammonia refrigeration systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• RET ACIRO (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator) certification, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration ANSI/IIAR2 certification, Garden City Program Operator II certification, or equivalent certification from another nationally recognized ammonia training program.
• Deep theoretical understanding of industrial refrigeration systems and ability to apply that knowledge to the responsibilities of the position.
• Strong reading, math, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks efficiently with minimum supervision.
• Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations (50% of the time).

• Electrical experience and troubleshooting in low and high voltage circuits, motors, and controls.
• Waste water operations experience is preferred.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

• Office and plant setting, including wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, 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.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work at elevated heights.
• 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.

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, 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.