Assistant Plant Engineer

Smithfield Foods•Tar Heel, NC

15h•Onsite

About The Position

As a key member of the Engineering team, the Assistant Plant Engineer will analyze data, craft innovative plans to optimize production processes, uncover opportunities to drive efficiencies, reduce waste, and cut operating costs. This role plays a crucial part in the manufacturing of brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous. Reporting to the Plant Engineer, this position manages the maintenance and engineering operations within the plant, ensuring the building and equipment remain in top condition to minimize mechanical downtime and keep production lines running efficiently. The Assistant Plant Engineer will lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge maintenance systems, including Preventative/Predictive Maintenance and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), to build a world-class maintenance strategy. Additionally, the role involves leading engineering efforts to ensure manufacturing processes remain state-of-the-art in technology and performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of related experience in a manufacturing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
2+ years' experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
Possess thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and CMMS systems.
Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical and/or electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical systems, etc).
Must be able to lead resource planning and management efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
Ability to use exposure monitoring equipment, interpret and communicate results.
Capable of communicating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in both written and oral formats.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills required.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

Take charge of 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, ensuring all projects meet safety, food safety, and environmental standards.
Lead the Maintenance Department in developing and implementing cutting-edge systems aligned with High-Performing Manufacturing Organizations, including Preventive/Predictive Maintenance, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and more.
Optimize resource scheduling to ensure maximum work output while minimizing downtime, reducing costs, and boosting plant capacity.
Empower and lead the maintenance team by delegating tasks, enforcing policies, and ensuring clear work responsibilities are assigned.
Drive and enforce safety standards through training, procedure implementation, and continuous monitoring.
Drive long-term solutions while providing daily support to operating teams, troubleshooting issues, analyzing problems, and resolving equipment failures quickly.
Work with the Plant Engineer to develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and report maintenance performance, including supplier effectiveness, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

Benefits

Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs
Out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers
Medical plans
Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
Comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.
Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.
Relocation Package Available