Senior Electrical Automation Technician (Nights)

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

A leading American food company in Kinston, NC is seeking a Senior Electrical Automation Technician to enhance and maintain electrical control systems. This role emphasizes troubleshooting, providing technical support, and driving automation improvements. Qualified candidates should have an Associate's degree or equivalent experience along with at least 2 years in related fields. The position offers a relocation package and opportunities for growth within a diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in electrical automation.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents in English.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation.
• Self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to safety regulations and conduct safety audits.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical issues and maintain control systems.
• Lead automation improvements and provide project insights.
• Create training materials and mentor other technicians.

Skills

Troubleshooting in electrical systems

Programming Allen Bradley/Rockwell

Technical documentation

Electrical schematics interpretation

Process improvement

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Multimeter

PC software for automation

Job description

A great job-and a great future awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We're looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us.

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: Champion a culture of safety by adhering to best work practices, conducting monthly safety audits, and ensuring rigorous GMP compliance. Maintain spotless, sanitary conditions, proactively identify and report risks, and take swift action to mitigate potential hazards.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Decode complex electrical schematics and user manuals to troubleshoot and maintain cutting‑edge equipment, solve automation and robotics software issues, resolve PLC and touchscreen problems, and use network troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve control networking issues. Collaborate with IT to maintain and troubleshoot servers, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations.
• Process Improvement & Project Support: Lead in identifying and driving automation improvements that elevate processes, and partner with management and engineering teams to offer insights and consulting on innovative projects.
• Training & Documentation: Create engaging user manuals and training materials, mentor maintenance technicians, and take ownership of electrical and automation documentation, organizing and backing up crucial files 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.
• 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.
• Effectively present information in one‑on‑one and group situations; respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation.
• Must be self‑motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Communicate status of issues and projects with management, vendors, peers, and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and support to maintenance technicians.
• Use appropriate tools (e.g., multimeter, PC, software) to troubleshoot and diagnose root causes of electrical issues in the facility.
• Work with internal and external resources to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Will not mind working weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

Other Skills That Make You Stand Out

• Experience in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics helpful.
• Work well with others in fast‑paced dynamic environment.
• Be respectful, approachable and team‑oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Assume personal responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for everyone; adhere to all safety policies and procedures.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Wet or humid conditions, extreme cold and heat, working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level usually moderate but can be loud in the production area.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds using buddy system or devices.
• Specific vision: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• 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

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 veteran 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.