ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Meat Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jack Links

Plant Engineering Manager

Perry, GA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. The Plant Engineering Manager oversees all engineering, maintenance, utilities, and automation systems within a large, highly ...

John Volpi & Company Inc

Plant Manager

Union, MO · On-site

As an Plant Manager at our esteemed Italian meat company, you'll be the maestro orchestrating a symphony of flavors and efficiency. With a passion for quality and a talent for multitasking, you'll ...

Ingles Markets

494 Meat Cutter

Louisville, GA · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

... plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to promote from within! We ... MEAT ASSOCIATE - Ingles is known for having the best meat in town. After training alongside our ...

Ingles Markets

503 Meat Cutter

Marion, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to promote from within! We ... MEAT CUTTER- Ingles is known for having the best meat in town. After training alongside our most ...

Ingles Markets

503 Meat Cutter

Marion, VA

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to promote from within! We ... MEAT CUTTER- Ingles is known for having the best meat in town. After training alongside our most ...

Simply Staffed

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Assistant Plant Engineer: * Responsible for capital project ... Food manufacturing background required, meat or kill floor/harvest floor experience a plus.

Thomas Talent Network

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Collaborate with plant leadership on operational improvements. Coach and develop maintenance team ... Meat processing or kill floor/harvest floor experience. Experience in high-volume production ...

Bridges Staffing

Butcher/Meat Cutter

Grand Bay, AL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Willingness to learn and assist in multiple plant areas. * Ability to work in a cold environment (42°F). * Steel-toe boots are required. Key Responsibilities: * Process meat products: removing bones ...

Ingles Markets

147 Meat Cutter Full Time

Kings Mountain, NC

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to promote from within! We ... MEAT ASSOCIATE - Ingles is known for having the best meat in town. After training alongside our ...

Ingles Markets

147 Meat Cutter Full Time

Kings Mountain, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... plant. Find your path - growth opportunities abound, and Ingles loves to promote from within! We ... MEAT ASSOCIATE - Ingles is known for having the best meat in town. After training alongside our ...

Express Employment Professionals

Be Seen First

Production Meat Cutter / Equipment Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$22/hr

Meat Cutter / Equipment Operator Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 10‐hour ... plant. This position plays a key role in daily cutting and processing operations. The ideal ...

Smithfield Foods

Plant Cost Accountant

Kinston, NC

$62K - $78K/yr

We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products ... Support plant close activitiesThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMeat Plant Jobs

Meat Plant information

See salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do meat plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for meat plant in the United States is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do meat packing plants pay?

Meat packing plant workers typically earn an average hourly wage between $12 and $20, depending on experience, location, and specific roles. Entry-level positions may start lower, while skilled roles or those with certifications can pay higher, often with overtime opportunities in a fast-paced environment.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Jobs in the meat processing industry typically do not pay $400 an hour. High-paying roles in this field, such as executive or specialized technical positions, may reach high five-figure annual salaries but rarely hourly rates of $400. Such high hourly wages are more common in specialized professions like certain medical specialists, legal experts, or top-tier consultants outside the meat plant industry.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In the meat processing industry, high-paying roles such as plant managers, operations directors, or specialized consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require strong leadership skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes long or irregular hours in a production environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Meat Plant position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Meat Plant role, you typically need a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and familiarity with safe food handling and sanitation, often accompanied by a high school diploma or equivalent. Workers may use specialized cutting tools, packaging machinery, and must adhere to safety protocols such as HACCP certifications depending on the facility. Teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions are important soft skills in this environment. These abilities ensure efficient, safe meat processing operations that meet regulatory standards and maintain product quality.

What is a Meat Plant job?

A Meat Plant job involves processing, packaging, and handling meat products in a facility that meets food safety regulations. Workers may be responsible for cutting, trimming, grinding, or packaging meat, as well as maintaining cleanliness and equipment. These jobs require physical stamina, attention to detail, and adherence to safety and hygiene standards. Many roles in a meat plant do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is often provided.

What is the typical work environment like in a meat plant?

Meat plant work environments are usually fast-paced and involve working in temperature-controlled areas to ensure food safety, often requiring employees to wear protective clothing and follow strict sanitation procedures. Employees commonly work as part of a team on a production line, handling tasks such as cutting, deboning, packaging, or quality inspection. The role can be physically demanding, with standing for long periods and occasionally lifting heavy products. Many meat plants operate on multiple shifts, offering flexibility in scheduling. Regular training and support are provided to maintain high safety and quality standards.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In the meat processing industry, roles such as experienced meat plant managers or specialized butchers can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience and skills. These positions often require knowledge of food safety, equipment operation, and leadership, but may not require a formal college degree. High-paying jobs in this field typically depend on experience, certifications, and the size of the operation.
More about Meat Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Meat Plant jobs? Cities with the most Meat Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Plant jobs? The most popular types of Meat Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Meat Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Meat Plant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Meat Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Meat Plant jobs are:
Meat Plant jobs near you
Plant Engineering Manager

Plant Engineering Manager

Jack Link's Protein Snacks

Perry, GA • On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company Description
At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don't hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.
We're everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren't buzzwords, they're expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands-Jack Link's®, Lorissa's Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few-there's nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.
Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that's full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.
Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.
Job Description
The Plant Engineering Manager oversees all engineering, maintenance, utilities, and automation systems within a large, highly automated USDA food manufacturing plant. This leader ensures equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and long-term asset health while driving operational excellence in a 24/7 production environment.
The role blends technical depth, leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on problem solving across mechanical, electrical, controls, and facility systems.
Annual Salary Range: $165k - $185k , A relocation package is available to qualified candidates
Engineering Leadership & Technical Direction
  • Engineering Leadership - Set the technical vision for the plant, ensuring engineering strategies align with production goals, food safety requirements, and long-term asset health. This includes defining engineering standards, approving equipment specifications, and guiding the plant's automation roadmap.
  • Team Development - Build a high-performance culture across maintenance, reliability, and controls teams. Provide coaching, succession planning, and skills development for technicians, supervisors, and engineers.
  • Cross-Functional Influence - Serve as the plant's technical authority, partnering with Operations, Quality, Sanitation, and Corporate Engineering to solve complex problems and drive plant-wide improvements.

Maintenance & Reliability Management
  • Maintenance & Reliability - Own the plant's reliability strategy, including preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs (TPM).
  • CMMS Optimization - Ensure accurate work order management, asset histories, and spare-parts control. Use data to identify chronic failures and optimize PM frequencies.
  • Reliability Engineering - Lead root cause analysis (RCA), FMEA (FMECA, FMEDA), and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) to reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Performance Metrics - Track MTBF, MTTR, PM compliance, and maintenance cost per unit to drive continuous improvement.

Automation, Controls & Advanced Technology
  • Automation & Controls - Oversee PLCs, SCADA, production & line control systems, and automated material handling.
  • System Integration - Ensure seamless communication between equipment, sensors, and plant-wide control systems.
  • Cybersecurity for OT - Implement secure access, patching, and network segmentation for industrial control systems.
  • Troubleshooting Leadership - Guide teams through complex automation failures, ensuring rapid recovery and long-term corrective actions.
  • Automated Production Systems - Industrial robotics and high-speed servo-based equipment systems

USDA, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
  • USDA & Food Safety Compliance - Ensure all engineering and maintenance activities meet USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, and internal food safety standards.
  • Sanitary Design - Lead equipment and facility design reviews to ensure compliance with sanitary design principles.
  • Audit Readiness - Maintain documentation, validation records, and maintenance logs to support USDA inspections and third-party audits.
  • Management of Change (MOC) Control - Manage engineering changes to ensure they do not compromise food safety or regulatory compliance.

Capital Project Leadership
  • Capital Project Management - Lead multi-million-dollar projects from concept to commissioning.
  • Scope Development - Define project requirements, equipment specifications, and ROI analyses.
  • Vendor & Contractor Management - Oversee bidding, selection, and performance of engineering firms and contractors.
  • Startup & Commissioning - Ensure equipment validation, operator training, and performance testing meet design intent.

Utilities, Facilities & Infrastructure
  • Utilities & Infrastructure - Ensure critical plant utilities including ammonia refrigeration, boilers, compressed air, wastewater, and HVAC are maintained.
  • Regulatory Compliance - Ensure compliance with PSM (Process Safety Management), environmental permits, and OSHA standards.
  • Energy Management - Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability.
  • Facility Integrity - Oversee structural, roofing, flooring, and environmental controls to maintain a safe, sanitary environment.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
  • Continuous Improvement - Drive Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and Kaizen initiatives to improve throughput and reduce waste.
  • OEE Optimization - Partner with Operations to analyze downtime, speed losses, and quality losses.
  • Standard Work - Develop engineering SOPs, PM standards, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Innovation - Evaluate emerging technologies (vision systems, robotics, predictive analytics) to enhance plant performance.

Budgeting, Cost Control & Strategic Planning
  • Budget Management - Own the engineering and maintenance budgets, including labor, spare parts, contractors, and capital expenditures.
  • Cost Reduction - Identify opportunities to reduce maintenance costs without compromising reliability.
  • Long-Term Asset Planning - Develop 3-5-year capital plans with Central Engineering, equipment replacement strategies, and facility improvement roadmaps.

Safety Leadership & Risk Management
  • Safety Leadership - Champion a strong safety culture across engineering and maintenance teams.
  • Risk Assessments - Lead hazard analyses, LOTO program improvements, and machine guarding compliance.
  • Incident Response - Provide technical leadership during safety incidents, equipment failures, or utility disruptions.

Required Skills & Competencies
  • Mechanical & Electrical Expertise - Strong understanding of industrial equipment, automation, and utilities within a high-speed CPG company.
  • Project Management - Ability to manage complex timelines, contractors, and budgets.
  • Regulatory Knowledge - Experience with USDA, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety engineering requirements.
  • Leadership & People Development - Proven ability to coach, mentor, and build high-performing technical teams.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making - Skilled in using CMMS, OEE data, and reliability metrics to guide improvements.
  • Root Cause Analysis - Expertise in RCA, FMEA, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Food Safety - Fundamental understanding of Sanitary Design Principals, sanitation practices and requirements, and mitigation strategies.

Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field).
  • 7-10+ years of engineering or maintenance leadership in food manufacturing, CPG, or high-automation environments.
  • Experience in FDA, USDA-regulated or ready-to-eat (RTE) facilities strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success managing large capital projects and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Professional certifications (PE, PMP, Six Sigma) are a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Equipment uptime and reliability (MTBF, MTTR)
  • Successful execution of capital projects (on time/on budget)
  • Maintenance cost performance (M&R spend)
  • Audit readiness and regulatory compliance
  • Safety performance metrics
  • OEE improvement and waste reduction

Additional Information
The pay range for this role is $165k - $185k (Annual). Actual wage will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link's Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link's provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head. The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area. Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.
EEO Statement:
Jack Link's provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.
Jack Link's is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
Disclaimer:
This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by team members in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of team members performing this role.

Apply