Global Equipment & Technology Engineer - Automation

Smithfield Foods; North Carolina; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in North Carolina seeks a mechanical engineer to lead the evaluation, qualification, and deployment of processing and packaging equipment across pork operations, ensuring sanitary design and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with domestic and international teams, assess new technologies, and guide capital projects from concept through commissioning while traveling as needed to support global operations.

Qualifications

• Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of sanitary design, washdown-duty equipment, USDA-regulated facilities, and food processing systems.
• Experience working with OEMs, equipment suppliers, and international engineering teams.
• Experience evaluating, adapting, and implementing technology across multiple regions or countries.
• Travel domestically >50% and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment specification, qualification, and validation through design reviews and testing.
• Conduct technology scouting and benchmarking for processing, packaging, robotics, and automation.
• Partner with US/China WH Group teams to transfer and implement proven technologies.
• Evaluate mechanical designs, layouts, and sanitary construction for reliability and safety.
• Support capital projects from concept through commissioning.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Project management

Global teams

Technology evaluation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Smithfield Foods in North Carolina seeks a mechanical engineer to lead the evaluation, qualification, and deployment of processing and packaging equipment across pork operations, ensuring sanitary design and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with domestic and international teams, assess new technologies, and guide capital projects from concept through commissioning while traveling as needed to support global operations.