Automation & Controls Engineer

Smithfield Foods; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to drive advanced automation initiatives in our production facilities. You will develop and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and drive systems while ensuring safe, compliant operations across the plant's electrical controls.

You will mentor technicians, execute automation projects, optimize processes, and help set a technology roadmap in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering and 2+ years of controls engineering experience or equivalent.
• Industrial manufacturing experience required.
• Experience troubleshooting and programming Rockwell PLC, RsLogix platforms, and related HMI software.

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and variable frequency drives to optimize production systems and improve efficiency.
• Mentor floor electricians and lead automation projects from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Continuously seek process improvements to minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting.
• Develop and standardize software/hardware architectures for automation projects across teams.

Skills

Rockwell PLC programming

HMI programming

Drive systems (Powerflex, servo drives

Industrial networking (DeviceNet/CA),

RsLogix 500/5000

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC (TIA Portal)

HMI (TIA Portal)

Ignition platform

Controls software (FactoryTalk, Studio ME/SE)

Job description

Join Our Team as an Automation and Controls Engineer – Innovate the Future of Manufacturing!

Are you passionate about cutting‑edge technology and driving innovation in automation? As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of revolutionizing our facility's electrical control systems. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of automation, from development and implementation to maintenance and operation. Working alongside our dynamic automation team, you’ll help define and update the plant's long‑term technology roadmap, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve.

You’ll play a critical role in maintaining and securing the automation infrastructure, ensuring all software and programs are backed up and up to date. Your expertise will blend fundamental controls knowledge with the latest advancements in automation technology, delivering creative solutions that tackle real‑world manufacturing challenges and improve our processes every day.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Drive Innovation and Troubleshoot: You’ll program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and Variable Frequency Drives to optimize production systems and improve efficiency. You’ll also dive into electrical troubleshooting and repair to keep our operations running at peak performance.

• Project and People Leadership: Mentor less experienced floor electricians, providing guidance and support as they develop their skills. You’ll also plan and execute automation projects from start to finish with minimal supervision, ensuring timely and successful completion.

• Process Optimization: Continuously seek production process improvements that minimize downtime and make troubleshooting simpler and more effective for the team.

• Technology Visionary: Develop and standardize software and hardware architectures for automation projects, collaborating with multiple teams for smooth implementation.

• Shaping the Future: Lead the charge in selecting the best technology for automation and present a clear technology roadmap for immediate and long‑term growth.

• Champion Safety: Always follow safety, food safety, and USDA guidelines to maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient work environment.

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 of controls engineering experience or related; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Industrial Manufacturing experience required.

• Experience troubleshooting and programming Rockwell PLC (RsLogix 500, RsLogix 5000, and Studio 500), HMI (FactoryTalk Studio ME and SE), Powerflex drives, Kenetix Servo drives, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Connected Components Workbench are required.

• Experience troubleshooting hardwired systems and print reading (US and European style prints) required.

• Must be comfortable working with low (24 V DC) to high (4160 V AC) voltages.

• Must be able to multi‑task several projects, or projects and troubleshooting duties at once.

• Must have a good work ethic and be self‑motivated.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

• Fluency in Mandarin, strongly preferred.

• Food or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.

• Experience troubleshooting and programming of Siemens PLC (TIA portal), HMI (TIA Portal), and Drives (TIA Portal).

• Networking experience is a plus.

• Previous experience with the Ignition platform is a plus.

• Ability to work well with others in a 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

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hand/arm in varying positions, kneel, crouch or crawl to complete tasks such as troubleshooting or repair of production equipment.

• The employee must be able to sit for long periods of time to write programs and perform administrative tasks such as work orders, requisitions, and emails.

• Employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Employee must be able to work in extremely hot and cold environments regularly, often going from one extreme to the other in the same shift.

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.