Senior Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods • Saint James, MN

104d

About The Position

As a Senior Process Improvement Engineer, you will spearhead high-impact initiatives that transform manufacturing operations, enhance product quality, and elevate safety standards across multiple facilities. With a focus on advanced engineering techniques and lean methodologies, you’ll lead cross-functional efforts to optimize systems, streamline workflows, and drive sustainable cost reduction. Your work will directly influence productivity, throughput, and profitability—while championing a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related field).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading CI or lean manufacturing initiatives across multiple departments or facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Strong analytical, planning, and project management skills with a track record of results.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel knowledge required.
• SAP experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage across all levels of the organization.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma tools (certification preferred).
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with a high degree of accountability.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve plant processes to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality by conducting time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments.
• Recommend and implement engineering solutions, layout changes, and equipment upgrades while identifying lean waste elimination opportunities to optimize production performance.
• Lead and facilitate lean initiatives—including Kaizen, 5S, A3 problem solving, and Value Stream Mapping—to drive continuous improvement across operations.
• Serve as a change agent, implementing standardized and sustainable solutions that enhance efficiency and foster a culture of operational excellence.
• Lead multiple engineering and continuous improvement projects from initial concept through successful implementation, ensuring each initiative delivers operational value.
• Manage project execution with a strong focus on meeting budget, timeline, and performance objectives.
• Conduct root cause analysis, process mapping, and advanced data collection to uncover opportunities for operational improvement.
• Design and develop systems that enable accurate productivity tracking and support ongoing performance optimization efforts.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, labor standards, and production measurement systems to ensure consistent and efficient operations.
• Enhance management tools that support cost analysis, financial planning, and job evaluation, enabling data-driven decisions across the organization.
• Collaborate with teams across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to align initiatives and drive cohesive improvements.
• Support process validation and the successful installation of new equipment to ensure efficiency and compliance from day one.
• Facilitate training workshops and coach plant personnel and leaders on best practices in process optimization.
• Conduct internal audits and evaluations to ensure regulatory and policy adherence.
• Research and implement emerging technologies that boost operational efficiency and support long-term sustainability goals.
• Lead technical advancements that drive measurable improvements in product quality and manufacturing performance.

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

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