Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods • Milan, MO

11d

About The Position

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. As a Process Improvement Engineer, you will be at the forefront of transforming manufacturing operations by unlocking efficiency, minimizing waste, and driving measurable cost savings across multiple facilities. In this high-impact role, you'll lead data-driven initiatives that optimize production systems and align with our strategic business goals. Through close collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on mentorship of plant personnel, you'll foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation—empowering teams to reach new heights of performance and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and A3 problem-solving preferred.
• Strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to lead by influence, utilizing factual data to support initiatives and drive improvement efforts.

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization and Efficiency: You will optimize plant performance by evaluating process efficiencies, conducting time and capacity studies, and using data-driven insights to improve labor and equipment utilization. You will also identify opportunities to eliminate waste and reduce production costs through detailed workflow analysis and lean methodology.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Initiatives: You will lead process improvement initiatives using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping to drive operational efficiency and impact. You will also deploy and sustain MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles, supporting long-term cultural and organizational change through strategic improvement efforts
• Training, Coaching, and Change Management: You will participate in and facilitate training workshops that drive operational and cultural improvements across the organization. You will also mentor teams on lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies, empowering them to adopt sustainable, high-performance habits.
• Technology Integration and Systems: You will assist in evaluating and implementing new equipment and technologies to enhance operational efficiency, while monitoring installations to ensure alignment with budget and technical specifications. You will also utilize tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and SAP to support process documentation, data analysis, and performance tracking.
• Data Analytics and Root Cause Investigation: You will assist in root cause analysis and corrective action planning to resolve manufacturing and operational challenges. You will also transform data insights into actionable improvement projects using A3 methodology to drive measurable outcomes.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Standardization: You will develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work standards, and visual management systems to ensure consistency and clarity on the production floor. You will also establish and implement ‘Best In Class’ and ‘Best Practice’ methods to drive cost reduction and minimize process variability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate with operations, engineering, and corporate leadership to standardize processes and promote alignment across the organization. You will also enhance cross-departmental decision-making by strengthening data integrity and ensuring consistent information flow.
• Compliance, Reporting, and Sustainability: You will support compliance audits and ensure the long-term sustainability of implemented improvements, maintaining accountability across operations. You will also deliver regular updates and strategic reports to senior leadership, while advancing environmental sustainability through initiatives that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees