Associate Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods • Middlesboro, KY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Associate Process Improvement Engineer, you’ll be a driving force behind high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and operations. Leveraging your expertise in engineering principles, data analytics, and lean methodologies, you’ll identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance product quality, and reduce operational costs across multiple facilities. In this collaborative role, you’ll work alongside cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement continuous improvement strategies and cultivate a culture of operational excellence and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles preferred.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of accountability and the ability to work independently or in team settings.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with a collaborative and coaching mindset.
• Ability to lead by influence, utilizing factual data to support initiatives and drive improvement efforts.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and enhance plant efficiencies by analyzing workforce utilization, facility layouts, and operational workflows; conducting time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments; and identifying lean waste elimination opportunities through data-driven process improvement methods.
• Implement process improvements using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen events, and Value Stream Mapping, while deploying and sustaining MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles. Support cultural and operational change by driving continuous improvement strategies that embed excellence across the organization.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions and use data insights to generate actionable projects using A3 methodology.
• Ensure and help implement new equipment or technologies to improve production. Monitor new installations and compliance with budget and specifications.
• Create and maintain Standard Operations Procedures, work standards, and visual management systems and establish "best in class" and "best practice" standards to optimize production.
• Participate in and facilitate training workshops to promote cultural and operational improvements through knowledge sharing.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to drive standardized processes to help improve decision-making and maintain data integrity.
• Support compliance audits and maintain sustainability of improvements. Deliver reports and presentations to senior leadership and contribute to sustainability goals around energy, water, and waste reduction.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level