Global Automation Architect & Robotics Leader

Smithfield Foods; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a senior Automation Engineer to lead the qualification, integration, and standardization of controls, robotics, machine vision, and digital manufacturing across global operations. This role serves as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, and regulatory compliance.

You will partner with U.S., China, and WH Group engineering teams to evaluate proven automation technologies, pilot them, and scale solutions for processing, packaging, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking, controls architecture, and machine safety systems.
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and safety systems.
• Experience working with global engineering teams, international OEMs, and multi-site manufacturing organizations preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL, and electrical code requirements.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically >50% and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, review, and standardization of controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, data platforms, and enterprise automation standards across global operations.
• Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation, robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Conduct machine safety assessments and controls reviews to ensure regulatory compliance and mitigate risk.
• Partner with U.S., China, and WH Group engineering teams to evaluate, transfer, and standardize proven automation technologies.
• Collaborate with OEMs and technology developers to deploy next-generation automation and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate and qualify processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, machine vision, X-ray, metal detection, and end-of-line automation.
• Conduct supplier audits, factory evaluations, and system validation to identify safety, reliability, and integration risks.
• Serve as controls/automation lead for strategic capital projects and provide implementation support.

Skills

PLC knowledge

Machine safety

Industrial networking

Controls architecture

Robotics

Machine vision

Safety systems

Project management

Global collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field

Job description

Smithfield Foods is seeking a senior Automation Engineer to lead the qualification, integration, and standardization of controls, robotics, machine vision, and digital manufacturing across global operations. This role serves as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, and regulatory compliance.

You will partner with U.S., China, and WH Group engineering teams to evaluate proven automation technologies, pilot them, and scale solutions for processing, packaging, and