Associate Process Improvement Engineer

About the Role

As an Associate Process Improvement Engineer, you’ll be a driving force behind high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and operations. Leveraging your expertise in engineering principles, data analytics, and lean methodologies, you’ll identify opportunities to streamline processes, enhance product quality, and reduce operational costs across multiple facilities. In this collaborative role, you’ll work alongside cross-functional teams and senior leadership to implement continuous improvement strategies and cultivate a culture of operational excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: Evaluate and enhance plant efficiencies by analyzing workforce utilization, facility layouts, and operational workflows; conducting time studies, capacity analyses, and risk assessments; and identifying lean waste elimination opportunities through data-driven process improvement methods.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Initiatives: Implement process improvements using A3 problem-solving, Kaizen events, and Value Stream Mapping, while deploying and sustaining MIQ lean transformation and Smithfield Way principles. Support cultural and operational change by driving continuous improvement strategies that embed excellence across the organization.
• Data Analysis and Problem Solving: Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions and use data insights to generate actionable projects using A3 methodology.
• Technology and Systems: Ensure and help implement new equipment or technologies to improve production. Monitor new installations and compliance with budget and specifications.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Development: Create and maintain Standard Operations Procedures, work standards, and visual management systems and establish "best in class" and "best practice" standards to optimize production.
• Training and Coaching: Participate in and facilitate training workshops to promote cultural and operational improvements through knowledge sharing.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to drive standardized processes to help improve decision-making and maintain data integrity.
• Compliance, Reporting and Sustainability: Support compliance audits and maintain sustainability of improvements. Deliver reports and presentations to senior leadership and contribute to sustainability goals around energy, water, and waste reduction.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Self-Starter: Must be a self-starter with a high level of accountability and the ability to work independently or in team settings.
• Interpersonal & Leadership Skills: Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with a collaborative and coaching mindset.
• Influence: Ability to lead by influence, utilizing factual data to support initiatives and drive improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Company will consider a currently enrolled college student with an anticipated graduation by end of current school year as qualified.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• May require prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, or working in varying temperature conditions.
• Exposure to mechanical parts, airborne particles, and factory noise during site visits.
• Willingness to work in both office and production environments for prolonged periods of time.