Electrical Automation Technician - 3rd Shift

Sfdbrands; Junction City (KS); On-site; USD 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Tuition Assistance

Career Growth Opportunities

Shift Differential

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Electrical Automation Technician to maintain and troubleshoot electrical and automation systems in a production facility in Kansas.

The role emphasizes safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with engineering and IT teams to improve processes and reduce variability. Responsibilities include reading schematics, diagnosing issues with PLCs and HMIs, creating training materials, and guiding maintenance staff.

Qualifications

• Two-year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, and experience.
• Experience with mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics is helpful.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, safety rules, and manuals in English.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation is required.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safe work practices and maintain sanitary conditions to ensure product quality.
• Interpret electrical schematics and troubleshoot automation software.
• Troubleshoot PLCs and touchscreens; diagnose control networking issues.
• Train technicians and provide technical leadership as needed.
• Identify and implement process and automation improvements.
• Ensure regulatory and safety compliance; support IT for server maintenance.

Skills

Electrical systems

Automation

Troubleshooting

PLC programming

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Technical certificate (2-year)

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Allen Bradley/Rockwell

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.

Your Opportunity

• Competitive Starting Pay - $35.58-$40.68/hr
• $1.00/hr Shift Differential for 3rd Shift
• Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
• Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility requirements

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. The Electrical Automation Technician will safely and efficiently maintain, troubleshoot, and work to improve the electrical and automation systems within the production facility. This position has the responsibility 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 and complied 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.).
• Assume 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.

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 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 Culture

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Good food. Responsibly.

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.