Automation & Controls Engineer Manager

Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp; Cudahy (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineering Manager to drive the long‑term technology roadmap for manufacturing.

You will lead a talented team to design and execute advanced automation solutions across production lines, focusing on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and delivering top‑quality products from iconic brands. You will oversee the convergence of IIoT across operations, apply machine learning to optimize processes, and partner with vendors and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing with emphasis on automation and controls design, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2+ years’ leadership experience including team development or project leadership.
• Experience in distributed, networked control systems and IIoT solutions.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational/design issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a forward‑looking manufacturing technology strategy.
• Develop a clear roadmap for automation technologies and long‑term growth.
• Apply machine learning to create scalable solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Translate complex business challenges into technology initiatives aligned with company goals.
• Monitor emerging technologies and assess their real‑world impact on operations.
• Design standardized software/hardware architectures for automation with cross‑functional teams.
• Pursue partnerships with vendors, universities, and consultants to stay at the cutting edge.
• Foster a positive employee experience through leadership and coaching.

Skills

Automation engineering

IIoT

Data analysis

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

IIoT platforms

Machine learning

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. As a key member of our dynamic Engineering team, you will have the opportunity to drive process optimization across our production lines. Your role will be to analyze data, develop actionable plans, and implement strategies that streamline operations, reduce waste, and cut costs—all while ensuring we deliver top-quality products from iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, and Nathan’s Famous. Your contributions will directly impact our ability to meet the needs of our customers and consumers with maximum efficiency. Step into an exciting leadership role where you’ll shape the future of automation within Smithfield! As the Automation and Controls Engineering Manager, you will be at the forefront of designing and executing the long-term technology roadmap for the company.

Leading a talented team of engineers, you’ll oversee the development of cutting‑edge automation solutions that enhance both hardware and software capabilities. Your leadership will blend process engineering expertise with the latest innovations, solving real‑world manufacturing challenges with creative, data‑driven solutions. You’ll also be responsible for identifying and evaluating emerging technologies to continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible and ensure our operations are at the cutting edge. This role isn’t just about technology—it’s about shaping the future of manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and driving meaningful change at every level of the business. If you’re passionate about driving technological innovation and building a smarter, more efficient manufacturing environment, this is the role for you!

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the Future of Manufacturing Technology: As a visionary in manufacturing technology, you’ll be responsible for creating and executing a forward‑thinking strategy that drives the convergence of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) across our operations.
• Develop a clear strategy, selecting the right automation technologies and presenting a clear, actionable roadmap for both immediate advancements and long‑term growth.
• Leverage the deep understanding of process engineering combined with machine learning to develop scalable, innovative solutions that revolutionize our manufacturing processes.
• Transform complex business challenges into cutting‑edge technology solutions, aligning them with organizational goals and seamlessly integrating them into the broader technology landscape.
• Monitor emerging technology trends that could disrupt or enhance the company’s operations, conduct in‑depth research into breakthrough automation technologies, and assess their potential for real‑world implementation, driving our competitive edge.
• Take the lead in designing standardized software and hardware architectures for automation, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless, coordinated execution of these systems.
• Form strategic partnerships with industry vendors, universities, and technical consultants to pioneer and validate new systems, ensuring that we stay at the cutting edge of food processing technologies.
• Drive a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited four‑year college or university in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing industries with a strong focus on automation and controls design; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development/management or project leadership, required.
• Experience in development of distributed, networked control systems, especially Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Lean or six sigma experience (green or black belt certified preferred).
• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

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 majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant . 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.

IndSPR-M/E Relocation Package Available

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.

Check out this video to learn more about this role! 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 inSmithfield, 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.