$100K - 140K a year
Lead packaging engineering projects and teams to develop and commercialize innovative packaging solutions, manage cross-functional collaboration, and drive cost-saving initiatives.
Bachelor's degree in packaging engineering or related field with 5+ years relevant experience, 2+ years team management, strong project management and packaging technical skills, and ability to travel frequently.
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: Smithfield Foods leverages a diverse range of packaging materials and processes to ensure top-notch quality and efficiency. As the Package Engineering Manager, you will lead a team recognized as the organization's subject matter experts. Your team will be pivotal in successfully implementing projects and delivering impactful results. The Packaging Engineering Department at Smithfield plays a crucial role in identifying, developing, and commercializing innovative, improved, and cost-effective packaging solutions. This department not only drives packaging advancements but also collaborates extensively with cross-functional project teams. As a leader in packaging for various business platforms, new product development, cost-saving initiatives, and core business projects, your team will be at the forefront of driving Smithfield's packaging excellence. 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. Technical Skills and Knowledge: You will successfully utilize Smithfield's operating systems, software, and procedures, while understanding packaging die lines and their technical relationship to our equipment. Additionally, you will obtain a deep understanding of Smithfield's corporate structure, products, and processes. Project Management: You will lead packaging projects across the organization from concept to implementation, independently travel to manufacturing locations to conduct plant trials and testing, and support projects to optimize costs, improve efficiencies, and generate revenue through product launches while protecting our product. You will consistently deliver cost savings, utilize your packaging experience to support and identify future capital projects, and leverage your project experience to foresee and solve potential problems before they arise. Communication and Collaboration: You will effectively communicate packaging information to all levels within the organization and establish open communication with key stakeholders. You will actively identify continuous improvement opportunities within Smithfield plants, lead cross-functional projects for implementation, and establish a reputation as the expert in our plant needs. Leadership: 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 package engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required. 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required. Energized by collaboration through travel to other locations 50% of the time depending on the initiative being executed. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: Ability to demonstrate proven results with fundamental packaging knowledge, plant testing, and project management. Experience with “complex packaging strategies” such as lean manufacturing, corporate purchasing agreements, and strategic sourcing. Progressive experience utilizing packaging software Spec Right a plus and specification databases. Extensive knowledge of packaging lab testing and techniques. Excellent PC skills: MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Strong communication skills, verbal and written. Strong project management skills in support of cross functional team activities. 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. Demonstrate and adhere to safe work practices especially while working in plant environments PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: Mobility: Some positions may involve frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds. In more physically demanding roles, this weight may go up to 70 pounds. Standing: You may need to stand for up to eight hours each day, especially during site visits or meetings. Weather Conditions: Depending on the job context, you might work in various weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements. Terrain: If you visit project sites, you may encounter uneven terrain, so mobility and adaptability are essential. 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! At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it's what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers. Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more. Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent. For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children. Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner. Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Not finding the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Get Started below or create an account by clicking 'Sign In' at the top of the page to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!
This job posting was last updated on 9/17/2025