Global Automation & Technology Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package available

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a senior automation leader to qualify and deploy controls, robotics, machine vision, and digital manufacturing technologies across processing and packaging lines.

You will serve as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, and regulatory compliance, supporting US-China technology collaboration and global equipment partners. The role involves leading strategy, qualification, validation, and transfer of best practices, with extensive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Robotics or related field; 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networking and controls architecture.
• Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and safety systems.
• Experience working with global engineering teams and international OEMs preferred.
• 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

• Automation & Controls Strategy: Lead development and standardization of controls architectures and enterprise automation standards across global operations.
• Technology Qualification & Validation: Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Machine Safety & Compliance: Conduct safety assessments and controls reviews to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Global Technology Transfer: Collaborate with U.S., China, and WH Group teams to transfer and standardize proven automation technologies.
• Innovation & Smart Manufacturing: Develop and implement AI-enabled inspection and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Equipment & Systems Evaluation: Evaluate processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, machine vision, and other end-of-line solutions.
• Supplier & System Assessment: Conduct supplier audits and system validation to identify risks early in projects.
• Capital Project Leadership: Lead as controls/automation SME for strategic projects.

Skills

PLCs

HMIs

Industrial networking

Controls architecture

Machine safety systems

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation/Robotics

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a senior automation leader to qualify and deploy controls, robotics, machine vision, and digital manufacturing technologies across processing and packaging lines.

You will serve as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, and regulatory compliance, supporting US-China technology collaboration and global equipment partners. The role involves leading strategy, qualification, validation, and transfer of best practices, with extensive