Senior Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods•Mason City, IA

23h

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) 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.
Strong analytical, planning, and project management skills with a track record of results.
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.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 50 pounds).
Work in manufacturing environments with exposure to varying temperatures, mechanical equipment, and noise for extended periods of time.
Some projects may involve navigating uneven terrain during site visits.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Process Optimization and Engineering Support: You will analyze and improve plant processes to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality by conducting time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments. You will also recommend and implement engineering solutions, layout changes, and equipment upgrades while identifying lean waste elimination opportunities to optimize production performance.
Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Leadership: You will lead and facilitate lean initiatives—including Kaizen, 5S, A3 problem solving, and Value Stream Mapping—to drive continuous improvement across operations. You will serve as a change agent, implementing standardized and sustainable solutions that enhance efficiency and foster a culture of operational excellence.
Project and Program Management: You will lead multiple engineering and continuous improvement projects from initial concept through successful implementation, ensuring each initiative delivers operational value. You will also manage project execution with a strong focus on meeting budget, timeline, and performance objectives.
Data Analysis and Performance Systems: You will conduct root cause analysis, process mapping, and advanced data collection to uncover opportunities for operational improvement. You will also design and develop systems that enable accurate productivity tracking and support ongoing performance optimization efforts.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Business Systems: You will develop and maintain standard operating procedures, labor standards, and production measurement systems to ensure consistent and efficient operations. You will also enhance management tools that support cost analysis, financial planning, and job evaluation, enabling data-driven decisions across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate with teams across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to align initiatives and drive cohesive improvements. You will also support process validation and the successful installation of new equipment to ensure efficiency and compliance from day one.
Training and Capability Building: You will facilitate training workshops and coach plant personnel and leaders on best practices in process optimization.
Compliance, Governance, and Quality Assurance: You will conduct internal audits and evaluations to ensure regulatory and policy adherence.
Techology Innovation and Sustainability: You will research and implement emerging technologies that boost operational efficiency and support long-term sustainability goals. You will also lead technical advancements that drive measurable improvements in product quality and manufacturing performance.