Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods • Milan, MO

120d

About The Position

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.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

• Optimize plant performance by evaluating process efficiencies, conducting time and capacity studies, and using data-driven insights to improve labor and equipment utilization.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and reduce production costs through detailed workflow analysis and lean methodology.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping to drive operational efficiency and impact.
• Deploy and sustain MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles, supporting long-term cultural and organizational change through strategic improvement efforts.
• Participate in and facilitate training workshops that drive operational and cultural improvements across the organization.
• Mentor teams on lean practices and continuous improvement methodologies, empowering them to adopt sustainable, high-performance habits.
• Assist in evaluating and implementing new equipment and technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Utilize tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and SAP to support process documentation, data analysis, and performance tracking.
• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective action planning to resolve manufacturing and operational challenges.
• Transform data insights into actionable improvement projects using A3 methodology to drive measurable outcomes.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work standards, and visual management systems to ensure consistency and clarity on the production floor.
• Establish and implement ‘Best In Class’ and ‘Best Practice’ methods to drive cost reduction and minimize process variability.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and corporate leadership to standardize processes and promote alignment across the organization.
• Support compliance audits and ensure the long-term sustainability of implemented improvements.
• Deliver regular updates and strategic reports to senior leadership, while advancing environmental sustainability through initiatives that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training and professional development programs.
• Tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs.
• Apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning.
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Education Reimbursement Program for team members pursuing further education.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees