Demo

Reliability Engineer

Smithfield Foods
Tar Heel, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/3/2026

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!

THE VALUE YOU'LL BRING:

Join our Engineering team and become a key player in transforming the future of manufacturing! You'll dive into data analysis and create innovative plans to optimize production processes, driving maximum efficiency and cutting waste that impacts our bottom line. Your work will directly influence the success of iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, and more, helping us deliver high-quality products that meet the needs of customers and consumers across the globe.

As a Reliability Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of ensuring our equipment and processes run smoothly, preventing costly disruptions to plant operations. You'll lead the charge in promoting reliability and maintainability across the organization, coaching and training teams to adopt and champion our established reliability program. You'll drive the implementation of best practices and ensure our operations stay at the cutting edge, enhancing performance and safeguarding our plants' success!

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.

  • Reliability Strategy & Standardization: You'll coordinate and implement standardized maintenance and reliability strategies for equipment across plants. Deploy Smithfield Engineering best practices for maintenance management and reliability engineering. Standardize preventative and predictive maintenance tasks and repair techniques across facilities.

  • Training & Development: You'll also train and coach plant reliability personnel on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). You'll need to evaluate and adjust training programs to address skill gaps and promote continuous development.

  • Maintenance Oversight & Problem Solving: Oversee the coordination of reliability elements like asset health, criticality analysis, RCA, and preventive maintenance. Identify and address root causes of equipment failures and work with teams to reduce maintenance needs and improve reliability. Identify opportunities for cost savings through improved equipment reliability and extended parts life.

  • Data Analysis & Best Practices Sharing: Use CMMS/SAP for reliability data analysis and to forecast equipment cost of ownership. Share best practices, root cause solutions, and process improvements to ensure operational consistency and enhanced equipment performance.

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 a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 2 years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

  • Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

  • Proficient in SAP and CMMS, preferred.

  • Ability to communicate technical ideas and concepts effectively.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

  • Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability.

  • 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may act as a lead by providing training and guidance to other engineering and maintenance professionals.

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.

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!


Smithfield is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job related characteristic as directed by law.

 

Salary.com Estimation for Reliability Engineer in Tar Heel, NC
$78,180 to $92,173
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