Senior Global Automation & Technology Engineer

Smithfield Foods

Shift: Full time

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Lead the qualification and deployment of controls, robotics, machine vision, inspection, and automation technologies supporting processing, packaging, and end-of-line operations. This role serves as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, controls integration, and regulatory compliance. The role will also support strategic technology collaboration between U.S. and China operations. Working closely with WH Group engineering, automation, and operations teams, this position will identify proven automation technologies and best practices currently deployed within China facilities and evaluate their applicability for U.S. operations. The position will also collaborate with global equipment manufacturers and technology developers to develop, pilot, and scale innovative automation, robotics, inspection, and digital manufacturing solutions. WHAT YOU’LL DO: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. Automation Controls Strategy: Lead the development, review, and standardization of controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, data collection platforms, and enterprise automation standards across global operations. Technology Qualification Validation: Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation, robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and advanced manufacturing systems to ensure performance, integration, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance. Machine Safety Compliance: Conduct machine safety assessments and controls reviews to ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL, electrical codes, and corporate safety standards while identifying and mitigating technical risks. Global Technology Transfer: Partner with U.S., China, and WH Group engineering teams to evaluate, transfer, adapt, and standardize proven automation technologies, best practices, and manufacturing solutions across facilities. Innovation Smart Manufacturing: Collaborate with OEMs, technology developers, and internal stakeholders to develop and implement next-generation automation, robotics, machine vision, AI-enabled inspection, and digital manufacturing technologies. Equipment Systems Evaluation: Evaluate and qualify processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, machine vision, X-ray, metal detection, checkweighing, traceability, and end-of-line automation solutions for operational effectiveness and scalability. Supplier System Assessment: Conduct supplier audits, factory evaluations, equipment reviews, and system validation activities to identify safety, reliability, compliance, and integration risks early in the project lifecycle. Capital Project Leadership: Serve as the controls, automation, or engineering lead and subject matter expert for strategic capital projects, including equipment design review, U.S. compliance modifications, and implementation support.

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Bachelor s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field and 5 years of relevant experience in industrial automation, controls, robotics, or manufacturing engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience required. 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 working with global engineering teams, international OEMs, and multi-site manufacturi