Automation & Control Technician

Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp; Tar Heel (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. in North Carolina is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Technician to lead automation initiatives and maintain our facility's electrical control systems.

You will program, set up, and troubleshoot equipment, driving improvements and ensuring reliable daily operations. Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell automation and PLCs is required, and you should be able to work overtime when needed.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or technical school and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience, required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as electrical schematics, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to write routine reports, procedural manuals, and correspondence in English.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and in group situations.
• Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• Must be self‑motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Provide technical leadership and support to the maintenance technicians at the facility.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance: You'll champion a culture of safety by adhering to best work practices, conducting monthly safety audits, and ensuring rigorous GMP compliance.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Decode electrical schematics and troubleshoot equipment; resolve PLC and touchscreen issues; collaborate with IT on servers.
• Process Improvement & Project Support: Lead automation improvements and partner with management and engineering on innovative projects.
• Training & Documentation: Create user manuals and training materials; mentor maintenance technicians; back up critical files.

Skills

Reading technical docs

English communication

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Time management

Education

Associate's degree + 2+ years

Tools

Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation

Multimeter

PC

PLC

Touchscreen

Job description

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.

The value you'll bring:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Are you an experienced Electrical Automation Technician with a passion for cutting edge technology? As a Senior Electrical Automation Technician, you'll be at the forefront of enhancing and maintaining our facility's electrical control systems. In this role, you will be key in driving automation solutions, from initial setup and programming to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. Collaborating closely with a dynamic automation team, you’ll help shape and refine the long term technological roadmap for the plant, ensuring we continuously evolve and optimize our systems. Your responsibilities will include securing and maintaining the automation infrastructure, ensuring all software and programs are properly backed up and updated. Utilizing your expertise in electrical controls and automation technologies, you'll provide innovative solutions that address real world manufacturing challenges, improving our processes and ensuring seamless operations on a daily basis.

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.

Safety & Compliance: You'll champion a culture of safety by adhering to best work practices, conducting monthly safety audits, and ensuring rigorous GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliance. Maintain spotless, sanitary conditions to protect product quality and uphold the highest food safety standards. Proactively identify and report any risks that could jeopardize food safety, product quality, or personnel well-being, taking swift action to mitigate potential hazards. Be the guardian of regulatory compliance, ensuring every action meets or exceeds industry standards.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Decode complex electrical schematics and user manuals to troubleshoot and maintain cutting edge equipment, keeping operations running smoothly. You'll also solve automation and robotics software issues, applying advanced problem‑solving skills to optimize processes. Tackle hardware challenges head‑on by resolving PLC and touchscreen issues to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Use your expertise in network troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve control networking issues, keeping systems connected and reliable. Collaborate with IT to maintain and troubleshoot servers, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations.

Process Improvement & Project Support: You'll take the lead in identifying and driving automation improvements that elevate processes, making them faster, more efficient, and more reliable. Be a key partner to management and engineering teams, offering valuable insights and consulting on innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Training & Documentation: Create engaging user manuals and training materials that empower the team to succeed and improve their technical skills. Inspire and mentor maintenance technicians, providing hands‑on training and guidance to help them excel in their roles. Take ownership of the facility’s electrical and automation documentation, organizing and backing up crucial files (programs, schematics, network info) for quick access and secure storage.

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.

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or technical school and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience, required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as electrical schematics, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to write routine reports, procedural manuals, and correspondence in English.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and in group situations.
• Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• Must be self‑motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Effectively communicate the status of issues and projects with management, vendors, peers, and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and support to the maintenance technicians at the facility.
• Use the appropriate tools (e.g., Multimeter, PC, Software) to troubleshoot and diagnose the root cause of electrical issues in the facility.
• Work with internal and external resources to resolve issues as quickly and effectively as possible.
• Doesn’t mind working weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

Other skills that make you stand out:

• Experience in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics helpful.
• 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.
• Assumes personal responsibility to insure safe and healthy workplace for everyone.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.

Physical demands & work environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non‑weather related), extreme cold and heat (non‑weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices. Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and talk or hear.

Relocation package available:

Available.

No 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.

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. Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs. Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent. We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

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.