Global Automation & Technology Engineering Lead

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to lead controls strategy across our U.S. operations. You will standardize PLCs, HMIs, networks, and safety systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, compliant automation.

The role includes global technology transfer with China operations, qualification of equipment, and driving digital manufacturing solutions. Travel >50% domestically; international travel as needed.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Robotics or related field with 5+ years in industrial automation.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking, controls architecture, and machine safety.
• Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and safety systems.
• Experience with global engineering teams, international OEMs, and multi-site manufacturing.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL, and electrical code requirements.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically greater than 50% and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and standardization of controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, networks, data platforms, and automation standards across global operations.
• Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation, robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and advanced manufacturing systems to ensure performance, integration, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct machine safety assessments and controls reviews to ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL, electrical codes, and corporate safety standards while identifying risks.
• Partner with U.S., China, and WH Group engineering teams to evaluate, transfer, adapt, and standardize proven automation technologies across facilities.
• Collaborate with OEMs and internal stakeholders to develop and implement next-generation automation, robotics, machine vision, AI-enabled inspection, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Evaluate and qualify processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, machine vision, X-ray, metal detection, checkweighing, traceability for scalability.
• Conduct supplier audits, factory evaluations, equipment reviews, and system validation activities early in the project lifecycle.
• Serve as controls/automation lead for strategic capital projects, including design review and implementation support.

Skills

PLC & HMIs

Industrial Networking

Robotics & Vision

Global Collaboration

Safety Standards

Project Management

Communication Skills

Travel Ready

Education

BS in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Robotics

Tools

PLC/SCADA

Industrial Networks

Job description

Smithfield Foods is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to lead controls strategy across our U.S. operations. You will standardize PLCs, HMIs, networks, and safety systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, compliant automation.

The role includes global technology transfer with China operations, qualification of equipment, and driving digital manufacturing solutions. Travel >50% domestically; international travel as needed.