Automation & Controls Engineer

Sfdbrands; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is hiring an Automation and Controls Engineer to innovate the future of manufacturing. You will develop and maintain plant electrical control systems, guide the automation roadmap, and ensure secure, up-to-date software and hardware across the facility.

You will troubleshoot PLCs/HMIs, mentor electricians, and drive process improvements while maintaining safety and USDA guidelines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 2+ years of controls engineering experience required.
• Industrial Manufacturing experience required.
• Experience troubleshooting and programming Rockwell PLCs (RsLogix 500/5000) and HMI (FactoryTalk).
• Experience troubleshooting hardwired systems and print reading (US/European).
• Comfortable working with voltages from 24V DC to 4160V AC.
• Ability to multi-task several projects and troubleshooting duties.
• Strong work ethic and self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs to optimize production.
• Mentor floor electricians and lead automation projects from start to finish.
• Pursue process improvements to reduce downtime and simplify troubleshooting.
• Develop and standardize software and hardware architectures for automation.
• Lead technology selection and create a roadmap for growth.
• Maintain safety and USDA-compliant practices in daily operations.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical troubleshooting

RSLogix 500/5000

PowerFlex drives

DeviceNet

ControlNet

Print reading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

FactoryTalk

TIA Portal

Ignition

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.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than a 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.

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:

• 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 (24v DC) to High (4160v 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 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/arms in varying positions, kneel, crouch or crawl to complete task such as troubleshooting or repair of production equipment. The employee must be able to sit for long periods of time to write programs, and do 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 same shift.

Relocation Package Available Yes

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.

About Smithfield

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.

Video

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