Senior Electrical Automation Technician (Nights)

Sfdbrands; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and professional development

LinkedIn Learning access

Guild tuition assistance

Employee scholarship program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods in Smithfield, VA is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Technician to maintain and advance our facility's electrical control systems. You will lead programming, setup and ongoing maintenance of automation solutions with the automation team.

The ideal candidate has an Associate's degree (or equivalent) and 2+ years of experience, with proven skills in Allen Bradley/Rockwell, PLCs and HMIs, plus network troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret electrical schematics and procedures in English.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation.

Responsibilities

• Safety & GMP compliance adherence and audits.
• Troubleshoot PLCs and touchscreen hardware.
• Decode schematics and software to diagnose electrical issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and robotics software issues.
• Collaborate with IT to maintain servers and network reliability.
• Lead automation improvement initiatives with engineering teams.
• Create user manuals and training materials for the team.
• Mentor maintenance technicians and provide hands-on guidance.
• Document and back up electrical and automation systems.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC programming

Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation

Automation software

Network troubleshooting

Education

Associate's degree or technical training

Tools

Multimeter

PC

HMI/SCADA software

Job description

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Are you an experienced Electrical Automation Technician with a passion for cutting‑edge technology? As a Senior Electrical Automation Technician, you'll be at the forefront of enhancing and maintaining our facility's electrical control systems. In this role, you will be key in driving automation solutions, from initial setup and programming to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. Collaborating closely with a dynamic automation team, you’ll help shape and refine the long‑term technological roadmap for the plant, ensuring we continuously evolve and optimize our systems. Your responsibilities will include securing and maintaining the automation infrastructure, ensuring all software and programs are properly backed up and updated. Utilizing your expertise in electrical controls and automation technologies, you’ll provide innovative solutions that address real‑world manufacturing challenges, improving our processes and ensuring seamless operations on a daily basis.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Safety & Compliance: You'll Champion a culture of safety by adhering to best work practices, conducting monthly safety audits, and ensuring rigorous GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliance.
• Maintain spotless, sanitary conditions to protect product quality and uphold the highest food safety standards.
• Proactively identify and report any risks that could jeopardize food safety, product quality, or personnel well‑being, taking swift action to mitigate potential hazards.
• Be the guardian of regulatory compliance, ensuring every action meets or exceeds industry standards.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Decode complex electrical schematics and user manuals to troubleshoot and maintain cutting‑edge equipment, keeping operations running smoothly.
• You’ll also solve automation and robotics software issues, applying advanced problem‑solving skills to optimize processes.
• Tackle hardware challenges head‑on by resolving PLC and touchscreen issues to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Use your expertise in network troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve control networking issues, keeping systems connected and reliable.
• Collaborate with IT to maintain and troubleshoot servers, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations.
• Process Improvement & Project Support: You'll take the lead in identifying and driving automation improvements that elevate processes, making them faster, more efficient, and more reliable.
• Be a key partner to management and engineering teams, offering valuable insights and consulting on innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Training & Documentation: Create engaging user manuals and training materials that empower the team to succeed and improve their technical skills.
• Inspire and mentor maintenance technicians, providing hands‑on training and guidance to help them excel in their roles.
• Take ownership of the facility’s electrical and automation documentation, organizing and backing up crucial files (programs, schematics, network info) for quick access and secure storage.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or technical school and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience, required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as electrical schematics, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to write routine reports, procedural manuals, and correspondence in English.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and in group situations.
• Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• Must be self‑motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Effectively communicate the status of issues and projects with management, vendors, peers, and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and support to the maintenance technicians at the facility.
• Use the appropriate tools (e.g., Multimeter, PC, Software) to troubleshoot and diagnose the root cause of electrical issues in the facility.
• Work with internal and external resources to resolve issues as quickly and effectively as possible.
• Doesn't mind working weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
• Other skills that make you stand out: Experience in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics helpful.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Assumes personal responsibility to ensure safe and healthy workplace for everyone.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices. Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Relocation Package Available

Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Benefits & Perks

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out‑of‑pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Company Culture

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. "Good food. Responsibly.®" is more than just our tagline; it’s what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

About the Company

Headquartered inSmithfield, Virginia,since 1936,Smithfield Foods, Inc.is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.