Senior Global Automation & Smart Manufacturing Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. seeks an Automation & Controls leader to drive qualification and deployment of automation technologies across processing, packaging, and end-of-line operations. You will serve as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, controls integration, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with U.S.

and China operations to scale innovative automation solutions. Requires travel, strong engineering background, and experience with global manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Robotics or related field with 5+ years of experience in industrial automation.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and safety systems.
• Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, and inspection technologies.
• Ability to work with global engineering teams and multi-site manufacturing organizations.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL and electrical code requirements.
• Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Travel domestically >50% and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and standardization of controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs across global operations.
• Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Conduct machine safety assessments and reviews to ensure OSHA/ANSI compliance.
• Pair with US/China WH Group teams to transfer and standardize automation technologies.
• Collaborate with OEMs and developers to implement next-gen automation and AI-enabled inspection.
• Evaluate processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, and end-of-line solutions for scalability.
• Conduct supplier audits, factory evaluations, and system validation early in projects.
• Serve as controls/automation lead for strategic capital projects.

Skills

Automation engineering

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Industrial networks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering or related

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Robotics

Machine vision

X-ray & metal detection

Job description

Smithfield Foods, Inc. seeks an Automation & Controls leader to drive qualification and deployment of automation technologies across processing, packaging, and end-of-line operations. You will serve as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, controls integration, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with U.S.

and China operations to scale innovative automation solutions. Requires travel, strong engineering background, and experience with global manufacturing