Automation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Be Well programs

Training and development programs

Smithfield Scholarship Program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead and contribute to automation projects across the pork processing domain. You will collaborate with partners to translate requirements into effective software solutions and drive design, field work, and startup activities.

The role emphasizes PLC/PAC programming, Ignition/Factory Talk View, and GUI/HMI development, with opportunities to manage multi‑million dollar scopes and provide training. This is a full‑time on‑site position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university and 2+ years’ relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin, preferred.
• Proficient in PLC/PAC programming languages.
• Experience with Ignition and Factory Talk 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.
• Must possess strong knowledge of process controls, motor controls, instrumentation, automation principals, and industrial networking.
• Knowledge of engineering principles 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.
• Previous experience in management of multi‑million dollar projects with large scopes, preferred.
• Relocation Package Available Yes

Responsibilities

• Develops preliminary engineering designs and device specifications.
• Conducts feasibility studies and develops project cost estimates.
• Determines design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes for assigned projects.
• Performs field work and adapts collections to translate completed projects into as‑built drawings.
• Collaborates with key operations and maintenance personnel to develop design specifications.
• Develops user/operator interfaces, custom reports, and analytical tools, process automation, utility control programs and application code.
• Develops control applications within Ignition, and Factory Talk View.
• Develops and designs GUI, and HMI graphics, applications and database architecture.
• Coordinates and provides direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, meet utilities requirements and maintain installation schedules.
• Provides startup support and training.
• Develops user/operator interfaces, custom reports, and analytical tools.
• Develops process control programs and application code.
• Designs database architecture.
• Reports and Proposals
• Conducts engineering planning, design and operational studies in pre-project studies.
• Conducts audits on project performance and sustainability initiatives.
• Assists plant personnel in troubleshooting and downtime situations.
• Conducts analysis on downtime risk prevention.

Skills

PLC/PAC programming

Ignition

Factory Talk View

Vision systems

Java

Rockwell Software

Python

VB

Database architecture

SQL

AutoCAD

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering

Tools

Ignition

Factory Talk View

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

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 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.

Your Opportunity

The Automation Engineer works on automation projects, both as a team member and team leader, interacting with business partners to understand and develop automation requirements and transform them into effective software solutions using software engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria. The Automation Engineer leverages a combination of experience in process control and monitoring, MES, SCADA, and motion control systems to apply theories and principles of science and mathematics to design and develop technical projects for the pork industry and will perform engineering assignments over a wide range of projects of varying complexity.

Core Responsibilities

• Develops preliminary engineering designs, and device specifications.
• Conducts feasibility studies and develops project cost estimates.
• Determines design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes for assigned projects.
• Performs field work and adapts collections to translate completed projects into as-built drawings.
• Collaborates with key operations and maintenance personnel to develop design specifications.
• Develops user/operator interfaces, custom reports, and analytical tools, process automation, utility control programs and application code.
• Develops control applications within Ignition, and Factory Talk View.
• Develops and designs GUI, and HMI graphics, applications and database architecture.
• Coordinates and provides direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, meet utilities requirements and maintain installation schedules.
• Provides startup support and training.
• Develops user/operator interfaces, custom reports, and analytical tools.
• Develops process control programs and application code.
• Designs database architecture.

Reports and Proposals

• Conducts engineering planning, design and operational studies in pre-project studies.
• Conducts audits on project performance and sustainability initiatives.
• Assists plant personnel in troubleshooting and downtime situations.
• Conducts analysis on downtime risk prevention.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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’ relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin, preferred.
• Proficient in PLC/PAC programming languages.
• Experience with Ignition and Factory Talk 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.
• Must possess 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.
• Must possess Project Management skills; Contract Administration skills; National codes and standards interpretation skills.
• Previous experience in the management of multi‑million dollar projects with large scopes, preferred.
• Proficient in AutoCAD drawing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and Word processing software, other Microsoft Suite products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability.
• 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.
• 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 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.

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

• 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.

Company Information

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.