Electrical Automation Technician - 1st & 2nd Shift

Sfdbrands; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Education benefit

Career growth

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. seeks an Electrical Automation Technician to safely maintain, troubleshoot, and improve electrical/automation systems in our production facility. You will ensure safety, quality and regulatory compliance while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities include interpreting schematics, diagnosing issues with automation software and PLCs, and training technicians. Strong teamwork and adherence to GMPs are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical certificate or equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Experience with mechanical systems, hydraulics and pneumatics helpful.
• Ability to read/interpret electrical schematics and manuals in English.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve electrical and automation systems in the facility.
• Adhere to safety policies, GMPs, and food safety standards.
• Interpret schematics, troubleshoot with automation software and PLCs.
• Train technicians and provide technical leadership.
• Document procedures and manage automation-related records.

Skills

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Two-year certificate

Tools

Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation

PLC programming

Touchscreen interfaces

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a companythat’s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for ourpeople, 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 andrewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

Benefits

• Competitive Starting Pay - $39.23-$44.10/hr
• $1/hr Shift Differential for 2nd Shift
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
• Education benefit available to full and part‑time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance

Position Summary

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are definedin this section. The Electrical Automation Technician will safely and efficiently maintain, troubleshoot, andwork to improve the electrical and automation systems within the production facility. This position has theresponsibility to comply with Safety work rules as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value.Ensures that all policies, procedures, and activities related to Food Safety & Quality are followed andcomply with uniformly in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

Core Responsibilities

• Adhere to safe work practices, complete monthly safety audits/observations, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained.
• Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality and personnel safety.
• Always ensure regulatory compliance
• Interpret electrical schematics and user manuals
• Troubleshoot process issues with automation software.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues with PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and touchscreens.
• Use advanced network troubleshooting to diagnose control networking issues.
• Work with IT to troubleshoot and maintain servers.
• Create user manuals and training documentation.
• Train technicians as appropriate.
• Identify and facilitate process and automation improvements.
• Assist and consult with management/engineering on projects as needed.
• Provide support and leadership to the maintenance technicians.
• Manage, backup and organize all electrical/automation related documentation for the facility (programs, schematics, network information, manuals, etc.)

Qualifications

• Two-year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, and experience.
• Experience in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics helpful
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as electrical schematics, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to write routine reports, procedural manuals, and correspondence in English.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and in group situations.
• Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• 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 self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Effectively communicate the status of issues and projects with management, vendors, peers and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and support to the maintenance technicians at the facility.
• Use the appropriate tools (e.g., multimeter, software) to troubleshoot and diagnose the root cause of electrical issues in the facility.
• Work with internal and external resources to resolve issues as quickly and effectively as possible.
• Assumes personal responsibility to insure safe and healthy workplace for everyone.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Able to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicantswill 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 otherprotected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with adisability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selectionprocess, please call us at 757‑357‑1595.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly."® is more than just our tagline; it's what wedo. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We dogood in our local communities. Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans andprograms to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20percent 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 leadingposition in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationshipswith U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For moreinformation, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurityand have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolioof 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 knownas Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.