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Associate Process Improvement Engineer

Smithfield Foods
Sioux, SD Full Time
POSTED ON 6/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/20/2026
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

The Associate Process Improvement Engineer supports process improvement efforts, projects and initiatives of the facility. This role aides in determining the most efficient ways to best utilize people, machines, materials, information, etc. to provide process improvements. The Associate Industrial Engineer begins to provide individual contribution to problem-solving efforts on selected projects to optimize worker efficiency, yield improvement, waste reduction and workplace optimization along with accurate cost standards and procedures. Works and collaborates with Management to define, develop, and implement plant continuous improvement projects in all areas of plant operations.

Core Responsibilities

  • Utilize business analytics and industrial engineering tools to study functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine functions and responsibilities of workers and work units and to identify areas of duplication.
  • Establishes work measurement programs and analyzes work samples to develop standards for labor utilization.
  • Analyzes work force utilization, facility layout, and operational data such as production costs, process flow charts, and production schedules, to determine efficient utilization of workers and equipment.
  • Reviews methods for improving worker efficiency and reducing waste of materials and utilities such as restructuring job duties, reorganization of workflow, relocating workstations and equipment, and purchase of equipment.
  • Implements methods of improvement based on leading edge technologies and industrial engineering principles to improve operating performance and reduce waste, delays and costs. - Monitors installation and ensures proposal specifications and budget are met.
  • Maintains management systems for cost analysis, financial planning, wage and salary administration, and job evaluation.
  • Ensures effective productivity and production measurements are established for identified processes in the plant. Monitors system and expands it as necessary.
  • Analyzes, recommends, and implements enhancements to existing work methods, flows and processes to improve current capabilities.
  • Communicates with management on all changes in work standards.
  • Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for methods and processes.
  • Manages multiple projects ensuring on-time completion according to schedule and within budget guidelines.
  • Researches technology advancements and systems to develop cost effective improvements to operating methods and procedures.
  • Coach, develop, and train plant employees on utilizing Smithfield's Management Operating System, and how to utilize data to improve their plants and functional areas.

The above 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.

Qualifications

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, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Industrial Engineering Degree, preferred.
  • Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.
  • Knowledge and experience with the Microsoft Suite: including, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
  • Strong planning, organization, and execution skills.
  • Ability to use exposure monitoring, equipment, interpret and communicate results.
  • Strong interpersonal and technical skills, required.
  • Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time; may support multi-plant locations.
  • 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.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • 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. - Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role!

Salary.com Estimation for Associate Process Improvement Engineer in Sioux, SD
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