Automation Engineer

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

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead automation projects in the pork processing domain. You will translate requirements into software solutions, develop control apps, interfaces and databases, and collaborate with operations to meet technical standards.

The role requires design, field work, vendor coordination and startup support, with up to 50% travel. Proficiency in PLC/PAC programming and experience with Ignition/FactoryTalk View are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual English and Mandarin preferred.
• Proficient in PLC/PAC programming languages.
• Experience with Ignition and FactoryTalk View platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of vision systems and programming.
• Proficient in operator interface development using Ignition, Java, or Rockwell Software.
• Knowledge of database architecture and structured query language.
• Strong knowledge of process controls, motor controls, instrumentation and automation principles.
• Experience with AutoCAD drawing.

Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary engineering designs and device specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and develop project cost estimates.
• Determine design criteria per standards and codes.
• Perform field work and translate projects into as-built drawings.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to develop design specs.
• Develop user interfaces, reports, analytical tools and automation code.
• Coordinate with vendors on layouts and schedules.
• Provide startup support and training.
• Develop control applications and database architecture.
• Conduct pre-project planning and sustainability studies.
• Assist with troubleshooting and downtime analysis.
• Travel up to 50% of the time.

Skills

PLC programming

Ignition

FactoryTalk View

Vision systems

Java

Python

SQL

AutoCAD

Rockwell Software

Industrial networking

Operator interface development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Ignition

FactoryTalk View

AutoCAD

SQL

Rockwell Software

Job description

Overview

Smithfield Automation Engineer role focusing on automation projects, collaborating with business partners to understand and develop automation requirements and translate them into effective software solutions. The position leverages experience in process control and monitoring, MES, SCADA, and motion control systems to design and develop technical projects for the pork industry and supports a wide range of projects of varying complexity.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop preliminary engineering designs and device specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and develop project cost estimates.
• Determine design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes for assigned projects.
• Perform field work and adapt collections to translate completed projects into as-built drawings.
• Collaborate with key operations and maintenance personnel to develop design specifications.
• Develop user/operator interfaces, custom reports, analytical tools, process automation, utility control programs and application code.
• Develop control applications within Ignition and FactoryTalk View.
• Develop and design GUI, HMI graphics, applications and database architecture.
• Coordinate and provide direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, meet utilities requirements and maintain installation schedules.
• Provide startup support and training.
• Develop process control programs and application code.
• Design database architecture, reports and proposals.
• Conduct engineering planning, design and operational studies in pre-project studies.
• Conduct audits on project performance and sustainability initiatives.
• Assist plant personnel in troubleshooting and downtime situations.
• Conduct analyses on downtime risk prevention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 2+ years' relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin, preferred.
• Proficient in PLC/PAC programming languages.
• Experience with Ignition and FactoryTalk View platforms, preferred.
• Knowledge of vision systems and programming.
• Proficient in operator interface development using Ignition, Java, or Rockwell Software.
• Knowledge of computer programming languages (Python, Java, VB).
• Knowledge of database architecture and structured query language.
• Strong knowledge of process controls, motor controls, instrumentation, automation principals, and industrial networking.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.
• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.
• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling; project management skills; contract administration skills; national codes and standards interpretation skills. Experience managing multi-million dollar projects with large scopes, preferred.
• Proficient in AutoCAD drawing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; other Microsoft Suite products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability.
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may act as a lead by providing training and guidance to others.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

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 may 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.

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.