Global Automation & Technology Engineer — Lead Robotics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Package Available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Illinois is seeking a senior Automation Engineer to lead controls architecture, robotics, and digital manufacturing initiatives across global operations. You will navigate cross‑functional teams, validate equipment, and drive safe, compliant automation solutions.

Responsibilities include technology transfer between U.S. and China, collaboration with OEMs, and guiding capital projects from design to implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Robotics or related field with 5+ years of experience in industrial automation.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, networks, architecture, and machine safety systems.
• Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and standardization of controls architectures and automation standards globally.
• Validate automation, robotics, and machine vision to ensure performance and compliance.
• Ensure machine safety and regulatory compliance per OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL.
• Collaborate with U.S., China, and WH Group teams to transfer tech across sites.
• Partner with OEMs to implement next-gen automation and digital manufacturing.
• Evaluate processing/packaging systems for scalability and reliability.
• Conduct supplier audits and system validation early in projects.
• Capitalize leadership on strategic capital projects and design reviews.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Controls Engineering

Automation Engineering

Robotics Engineering

Machine Vision

Industrial Networking

PLC programming

HMI implementation

Education

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

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Industrial networks

Job description

Smithfield Foods in Illinois is seeking a senior Automation Engineer to lead controls architecture, robotics, and digital manufacturing initiatives across global operations. You will navigate cross‑functional teams, validate equipment, and drive safe, compliant automation solutions.

Responsibilities include technology transfer between U.S. and China, collaboration with OEMs, and guiding capital projects from design to implementation.