Lead Global Automation Engineer – Robotics & Smart Manufacturing

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); 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 & Controls Leader to guide global standards for controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, and data platforms across manufacturing facilities. The role partners with U.S.

and international teams to scale smart automation and ensure regulatory compliance. You will lead technology qualification, machine safety assessments, and capital projects, driving innovative, safe, and efficient processing and packaging operations.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead standards for controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, networks worldwide.
• Lead qualification and validation of automation and robotics systems.
• Perform machine safety assessments and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with U.S., China, and WH Group teams to transfer automation technologies.
• Develop and implement next-generation automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Evaluate processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, vision, and detection for scalability.
• Conduct supplier audits and system validation to manage safety, reliability, and integration risks.
• Serve as the controls/automation lead on strategic capital projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PLC systems

HMI software

Industrial networking

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Leader to guide global standards for controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, and data platforms across manufacturing facilities. The role partners with U.S.

and international teams to scale smart automation and ensure regulatory compliance. You will lead technology qualification, machine safety assessments, and capital projects, driving innovative, safe, and efficient processing and packaging operations.