Global Automation & Technology Leader

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Automation & Controls Leader to direct qualification, deployment, and standardization of controls, robotics, and machine vision across our processing and packaging lines. You will partner with global teams to transfer best practices to U.S.

facilities and ensure regulatory compliance. Leadership in PLC/HMI architectures, industrial networks, and safety systems is essential, along with strong collaboration with OEMs and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation, controls, robotics, or manufacturing engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and deployment of controls, robotics, machine vision, inspection, and automation technologies for processing, packaging, and end-of-line operations.
• Serve as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, controls integration, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with WH Group and global teams to identify proven automation tech and best practices for US facilities.
• Develop and standardize controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, networks, data collection platforms, and enterprise automation standards.
• Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Conduct machine safety assessments and ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL and safety standards.
• Transfer and adapt proven automation solutions across facilities; drive technology transfer with international partners.
• Collaborate with OEMs and developers to advance AI-enabled inspection and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, machine vision, X-ray, metal detection, and end-of-line automation for performance and scalability.
• Conduct supplier audits and system validation to identify safety and integration risks early.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Controls architecture

Machine safety systems

Leadership and project management

Global collaboration

Travel domestically & internationally

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking an Automation & Controls Leader to direct qualification, deployment, and standardization of controls, robotics, and machine vision across our processing and packaging lines. You will partner with global teams to transfer best practices to U.S.

facilities and ensure regulatory compliance. Leadership in PLC/HMI architectures, industrial networks, and safety systems is essential, along with strong collaboration with OEMs and internal stakeholders.