Senior Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods•Smithfield, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. 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) and 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Demonstrated experience leading CI or lean manufacturing initiatives across multiple departments or facilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel knowledge required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage across all levels of the organization.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently with a high degree of accountability.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience preferred.
Experience with Lean Six Sigma tools (certification preferred).

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.
Identify 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

Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones.
Out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
Support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
Comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
LinkedIn Learning access on-demand courses, professional certificates, and skill-based training.
Tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs.
Leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.