Assistant Plant Engineer

Overview

As the Assistant Plant Engineer at Smithfield, you will manage maintenance and engineering operations, drive efficiencies, reduce waste, and support the manufacturing of beloved brands such as Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and others. You will lead initiatives to maintain top equipment condition, minimize mechanical downtime, and implement cutting‑edge maintenance systems aligned with High‑Performing Manufacturing Organization principles.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

• Engineering Project Development: Lead capital project development and post‑approval management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to plant operations. Collaborate closely with the Plant Engineer to manage project scheduling and execution, meeting safety, food safety, and environmental standards.
• Maintenance Systems: Lead the Maintenance Department in developing and implementing cutting‑edge systems aligned with High‑Performing Manufacturing Organizations, including Preventive/Predictive Maintenance and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Optimize resource scheduling to maximize work output while minimizing downtime, reduce costs, and boost plant capacity.
• Maintenance Staff & Safety: Empower and lead the maintenance team by delegating tasks, enforcing policies, and ensuring clear work responsibilities are assigned. Drive and enforce plant safety standards through training, procedure implementation, and continuous monitoring.
• Solutions & Troubleshooting: Serve as the problem‑solving expert, providing daily support to operating teams, troubleshooting issues, analyzing problems, and resolving equipment failures quickly.
• Key Performance Indicators: Develop and maintain KPIs to track and report maintenance performance, including supplier effectiveness, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• People Management: Drive a positive employee experience through leadership, employee development, and coaching.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of manufacturing experience; or equivalent education and experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience, including team development and management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CMMS systems.
• Advanced technical skills in mechanical and/or electrical fields (e.g., PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical systems).
• Experience leading resource planning and management in a large manufacturing environment.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order processes, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM.
• Ability to use exposure monitoring equipment and communicate results.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, interpersonal, technical, and presentation skills.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

• Ability to work well with others in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable, and team‑oriented, 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.
• Moderate to loud noise level in production area.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Yes

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 veterans status, status as a disabled individual, or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law.

If you have a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call 757‑357‑1595.