Senior Director, Engineering
Smithfield Foods · Smithfield, VA
- Level
- Director+
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $220k–$263k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 12+ years
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A director-level manufacturing role at Smithfield Foods (food & beverage) in Smithfield, VA.
- They ask for
- 12+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Automation, SAP, EHS / safety
- Base pay
- $220k–$263k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $115k–$157k. This one lists $220k–$263k.
Median of the low and high ends of 12 live postings that list pay, out of 35 manufacturing engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 34 other live manufacturing postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- About 94% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (12+ vs 5+)
Typical $98k–$150k, from 10 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 43%
- New product launch 43%
- Lean 29%
- Root cause 26%
- ✓ Automation 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SAP, EHS / safety, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Smithfield Foods
We found 2 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Doug → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Smithfield Foods in Smithfield
5 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in manufacturing roles at Smithfield Foods.
- Maintenance Mechanic · Reliability · Technician
- Plant Maintenance Supervisor - 2nd Shift (Relocation) · Reliability · Supervisor
- Project Engineering Manager · Manufacturing · Manager
- Packaging Engineering Manager · Manufacturing · Manager
- Production Supervisor - 2nd Shift · Production · Supervisor
Full description from Smithfield FoodsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
- ◆Capital Project and Engineering Leadership : You'll ensure successful execution of capital projects by managing processes and maintaining compliance with standards and regulations. Oversees capital programs at manufacturing facilities, improving cost, quality, service, and safety with the Production Engineering Leadership (PEL) team. Develops and implements project management standards to align with company and regulatory requirements. Supports strategic planning and continuous improvement to deliver value across the organization.
- ◆Leadership and Team Management : Leads and manages teams in Maintenance, Capital Project Management, Infrastructure, and Engineering Services, driving business objectives and delivering solutions on time. Partners with Human Resources to implement leadership development programs, enhance performance, and build a diverse, high-performing team. Fosters a culture of safety, communication, empowerment, and recognition.
- ◆Technology and Process Optimization : Identifies and evaluates new automation and technologies to improve manufacturing and distribution. Works with leadership teams to assess the technical and economic feasibility of manufacturing technology opportunities. Partners with Engineering Leadership to optimize equipment and infrastructure.
- ◆Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement: Develops and implements long-term plans to improve productivity and meet customer and quality standards. Shares best practices across business units and promotes continuous improvement. Ensures processes meet high operational standards and quality requirements.
- ◆Safety and Compliance : Promotes food and safety programs to ensure safe project execution. Ensures capital projects meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- ◆Budget and Project Oversight: Manages capital project budgets and ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Supports the development of capital plans and ensures proper project preparation and execution.
- ◆People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.
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, Business or related field and 12+ years of experience in Engineering management; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- ✓5+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
- ✓Prior experience as a Project Manager or similar role, required.
- ✓Experience leading multiple, complex, major capital investments, required.
- ✓Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and SAP.
- ✓Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills, required.
- ✓Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations. (50% of the time).
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
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
Are you a driven and passionate leader with a knack for guiding teams toward success? Do you want to make a meaningful impact by producing quality food that nourishes families across America? If so, we want you to join Smithfield Foods, one of the top 25 consumer packaged goods companies in the country!
As our Senior Director of Engineering , you will play a pivotal role in managing and executing multiple capital projects across our manufacturing locations. You’ll leverage your expertise in capital planning to oversee vendors, contractors, and engineering service providers, ensuring we deliver the highest value and stay ahead of the competition.
As a key member of the Smithfield Engineering Leadership Team , you will help shape and communicate the strategic vision for our engineering and technical operations. You’ll lead, develop, and inspire an Engineering leadership team that drives operational success and excellence, all while making a direct impact on our mission to feed families responsibly and sustainably.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and be a part of something big, this is your opportunity to shine!
What we're seeking
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
Other skills that make you stand out
- •Experience developing and implementing a capital project management methodology in a multi-plant environment.
- •Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- •High level of written and oral 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.
Physical demands & work environment
- •Mobility : Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material