Automation & Controls Engineer (Mandarin)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

Be Well programs

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to revolutionize our facility’s electrical control systems. You will shape the automation roadmap, maintain and secure the infrastructure, and deliver creative solutions to manufacturing challenges.

You’ll work with Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, drives, and diverse teams to ensure safe, efficient operations. Joining Smithfield means contributing to a long tradition of high‑quality meat products, while ensuring compliance with safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and 2+ years of controls engineering.
• Industrial manufacturing experience required.
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs, HMI, and industrial drives.
• Ability to read electrical prints (US/European styles).

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and drives to optimize production.
• Lead automation projects from planning to completion with minimal supervision.
• Identify production improvements to reduce downtime.
• Develop standardized software and hardware architectures for automation.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance in line with USDA guidelines.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC programming

HMI programming

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell RSLogix 500/5000

FactoryTalk

PowerFlex drives

Kenetix Servo drives

DeviceNet

ControlNet

Connected Components Workbench

Siemens TIA Portal

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

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 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.

Benefits and Compensation

• 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. 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.