Project Engineering Manager
Smithfield Foods· Food Production· Sep 29, 2026 · 29d ago
Smithfield, VA
In office
Full-time
Manager
$115K–$150K
5+ years exp
Job description
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Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU LL BRING:
Join our Engineering team and become a driving force in transforming production processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste—directly impacting our bottom line and helping us stay at the cutting edge of the industry. You’ll analyze data, draft strategic implementation plans, and tackle challenges head-on to optimize operations, all while playing a key role in the manufacturing of our iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and more. Your work will be essential in meeting the ever-evolving needs of our customers and consumers!
As a Project Engineering Manager, you’ll apply your expertise in science and mathematics to lead and execute large-scale, complex technical projects within the pork and packaged meat industry. With the opportunity to lead a team of talented engineers either directly and indirectly, you’ll oversee the design, development, and implementation of innovative solutions. Your experience will allow you to work independently on most tasks, stepping in for guidance only on the most intricate challenges. Using your deep knowledge, you’ll spot potential risks and trends early, proactively crafting effective solutions to keep projects on track and drive success across the board.
This is your chance to have a huge impact, drive innovation, and shape the future of one of the nation’s leading consumer packaged goods companies!
WHAT YOU LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Design Work: You ll develop engineering designs, material specs, and project cost estimates. Conducts feasibility studies and economic analysis to support designs. You ll ensure designs meet required standards and codes and validate field work and create as-built drawings. You ll also review engineering submissions for accuracy and completeness. Manage project execution by directing vendors and contractors. Coordinate project schedules with plant personnel, vendors, and contractors. Collaborate with management and engineering teams to implement plans.
Design Implementation: You ll partner with vendors and contractors to plan layouts and meet utility requirements. Review consultant work and recommend adjustments and maintain documentation (manuals, drawings, specs, etc.) and vendor contacts.
Reports and Proposals: You ll also conduct planning and reviews during pre-project phases. Define scope of work, prepare and evaluate proposals. Submit regular reports to management on project status.
Bid Review and Project Preparation: Manage contract administration and reviews bid packages. You ll also prepare project documents (budget analyses, plans, schedules, etc.) and monitor installations to ensure they meet specifications and stay within budget.
People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.
WHAT WE RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions .
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering, or related field and 5 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
2 years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling.
Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
Proficient in AutoCAD.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).
OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT :
Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Proficient in engineering economics.
Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable.
Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
Frequently required to sit, use hands, and talk or hear.
The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000 annually. Smithfield Foods provides pay ranges that reflect its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the company reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of hire. Individual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, location of the position, the candidate’s qualifications and experience, internal equity, external market pay for comparable positions and budget considerations. At Smithfield Foods, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive total rewards package. Learn more about our benefits package here.
Relocation Package Available Yes
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
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