Plant Engineer

Smithfield Foods•Wilson, NC

About The Position

The Plant Engineer leads the plant’s maintenance and engineering functions, focusing on building and equipment performance, production efficiency, and reliable product flow. The role uses data analysis and implementation planning to optimize production processes, maximize resources, minimize waste, and help control operating costs. It also leads the development and execution of innovative engineering and technology projects to maintain state-of-the-art food manufacturing facilities. The position is responsible for developing and implementing maintenance systems, including preventive and predictive maintenance and TPM, to reduce mechanical downtime and support a high-performing manufacturing organization. The Plant Engineer leads maintenance staff, promotes a safety-first culture, solves operational and equipment problems, and tracks performance indicators to drive continuous improvement. The role may require long hours and weekend work and is based in an office and plant environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field and at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in team management and development or project leadership.
High-level leadership, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability skills.
Advanced technical skills in mechanical and electrical fields, such as PLCs, instrumentation, and mechanical engineering, and ability to lead resource planning in a large manufacturing environment.
Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order processes, preventive and predictive maintenance, and TPM.
Ability to use exposure monitoring equipment and interpret and communicate results.
Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral formats.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal, technical, and presentation skills.
May be required to work long hours and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Respectful, approachable, team-oriented manner and ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

Own capital engineering projects from concept through completion, scheduling project elements to minimize disruption and deliver on time and budget while maintaining safety, food safety, and environmental standards.
Develop and implement maintenance systems, including preventive and predictive maintenance and TPM, and optimize maintenance scheduling to maximize task completion and minimize downtime.
Lead and manage maintenance staff by delegating tasks, enforcing policies, organizing work assignments, and supporting safe and efficient completion of work.
Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal and state regulations.
Troubleshoot operational and equipment issues, analyze problems, and implement short-term fixes and long-term solutions to support smooth plant operations and prevent recurring issues.
Develop and track maintenance Key Performance Indicators, including equipment reliability, supplier performance, and overall equipment effectiveness.
Provide leadership coverage when key personnel are absent, ensuring responsibilities are completed or delegated appropriately.
Support employee development and coaching to promote a positive employee experience.
Develop data-driven implementation plans to optimize production processes, use resources effectively, and reduce waste and operating costs.
Develop and execute engineering and technology projects that enhance plant capabilities and manufacturing processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.