Global Automation & Technology Lead

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

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead controls, robotics, and manufacturing automation initiatives across global sites. You will standardize architectures, qualify new technologies, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while partnering with U.S.

and international teams. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years in industrial automation, with extensive travel expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Robotics or related field with 5+ years in industrial automation.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking and machine safety.
• Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment.
• Willingness to travel domestically >50% and internationally.
• Mandarin language skills and functional safety certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and standardization of automation architectures, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks across global operations.
• Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Conduct machine safety assessments and ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, UL, and other codes.
• Collaborate with global teams to transfer and standardize proven automation technologies.
• Evaluate processing and packaging controls, robotics, machine vision, X-ray, and other end-of-line solutions for scalability.

Skills

PLCs & HMIs

Industrial networking

Controls architecture

Machine safety systems

Leadership & communication

Travel readiness

Education

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

Job description

Smithfield Foods is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead controls, robotics, and manufacturing automation initiatives across global sites. You will standardize architectures, qualify new technologies, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while partnering with U.S.

and international teams. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years in industrial automation, with extensive travel expected.