Automation & Control Technician

Smithfield Foods; Tar Heel (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in North Carolina is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Technician to lead and maintain our facility's electrical control systems. You will program, install, and troubleshoot automation equipment to keep production running safely and efficiently.

You will work closely with maintenance and engineering teams, apply GMP standards, and help develop training materials and documentation to support ongoing operations.

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.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety by adhering to GMP and maintaining Sanitary conditions.
• Troubleshoot PLC and touchscreen issues to minimize downtime.
• Decode electrical schematics and manuals to service and maintain equipment.
• Lead automation improvements and support projects with engineering teams.

Skills

Electrical automation

PLC troubleshooting

Allen Bradley/Rockwell

Robotics

Safety compliance

Documentation

Education

Associate's degree or higher

Tools

Multimeter

PLC programming software

SCADA

HMI touchscreen

Job description

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.

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.

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.

• 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 AvailableNo

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.