Plant Engineer

Smithfield Foods•Wilson, NC

About The Position

The Plant Engineer leads the maintenance and engineering department in a fast-paced food manufacturing plant. The role focuses on maintaining building and equipment performance, reducing mechanical downtime, keeping product flowing, and improving production efficiency and resource use. The Plant Engineer also leads engineering activities to maintain state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and develop and execute technology projects. This position oversees capital projects from concept through completion, maintenance systems and scheduling, maintenance staff, operational troubleshooting, and performance measurement. The leader promotes employee development and coaching, safety, and compliance with company policies and applicable federal and state regulations. The role may require long hours and weekend work. The position is based in an office and plant setting, with a relocation package available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field and 8 or more 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.
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.
Clear and concise written and oral communication skills.
Strong leadership, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
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

Develop and manage capital projects from concept to completion, coordinating and scheduling project elements to minimize disruption and meet cost, schedule, safety, food safety, and environmental standards.
Develop and implement Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, and other maintenance systems and strategies.
Optimize maintenance scheduling to maximize task completion and minimize downtime.
Lead, organize, delegate, and guide the maintenance staff; enforce company policies and promote safe work practices.
Provide short-term fixes and long-term solutions to operational challenges through troubleshooting and problem analysis.
Develop and track maintenance Key Performance Indicators, including equipment reliability, supplier performance, and overall equipment effectiveness.
Step in for absent key personnel and ensure responsibilities are completed or appropriately delegated.
Support a positive employee experience through employee development and coaching.
Help optimize production processes, maximize resource use, minimize waste, and reduce operating costs.
Maintain plant compliance with federal and state regulations.