Packaging Engineer

Company: Smithfield Foods
Location: Suffolk
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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: As a Packaging Engineer at Smithfield Foods, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring our packaging systems not only guarantee food safety but also add value for our customers and showcase our products positively—all while keeping costs in check. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with Suppliers, Strategic Sourcing, Business Management Teams, Production Plants, Marketing, and other cross-functional team members. You'll lead projects related to new product development and the optimization of current products. Additionally, you'll be responsible for identifying and implementing cost-saving opportunities, ensuring that our packaging solutions are both innovative and efficient. Join us in delivering excellence from production to presentation! 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. Project Development and Implementation: You will be responsible for evaluating, researching, and developing new packaging for multiple project types including growth initiatives, quality improvements, and productivity/cost-reduction activities. You will promote innovative thinking to generate unique and value-added packaging ideas for existing or new products and utilize packaging knowledge to develop and maintain packaging specifications to gather supplier data. Operational Support: You will identify opportunities for continuous improvement to franchise across the operational network and will troubleshoot activities and provide general packaging support to operations as needed. Collaboration and Relationship Management: You will be accountable for building and maintaining relationships with internal and external resources in order to cost-effectively implement packaging initiatives. You will routinely communicate with key stakeholders to report project progress and receive feedback to deliver according to expectations. Best Practices and Technology: You will leverage best practices and capitalize on technologies with cross-functional and cross-site business applications. 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 and 2 years’ relevant experience in Research and Development or Packaging Development; or equivalent combination of education and experience, 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 : Broad knowledge of packaging materials, equipment and manufacturing processes. Experience in the food industry, preferred. General knowledge of food science, processing and manufacturing, preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong time management, project management, organizational skills and the ability to work independently. Possesses good research and development capabilities, including experimental design, familiarity with packaging testing methodology and experience in commercialization. Ability to plan, lead and implement projects successfully which may involve internal and external resources. Ability to manage multiple projects and still meet critical project milestones. Ability to present conclusions and recommendations to management team. 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 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. IndSPR-Corp &xa;&xa;Relocation Package Available&xa;&xa;Yes&xa;&xa; 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!

Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Virginia Beach , Packaging Engineer, Engineering , Suffolk, Virginia