Senior Global Automation, Technology Engineer

Smithfield Foods

. Lead the qualification and deployment of controls, robotics, machine vision, inspection, and automation technologies supporting processing, packaging, and end-of-line operations.

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $95,000 - $130,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, machine vision, and controls integration, while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with global partners to implement innovative manufacturing solutions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PLC KnowledgeMachine Safety SystemsRobotics ExperienceControls ArchitectureProject Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Automation EngineeringControls EngineeringRobotics EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringValidation TestingIndustrial NetworkingData Collection PlatformsInspection TechnologiesEnd-of-Line AutomationSafety Compliance

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationLeadership SkillsProject Management

Tools & Technologies

HMIsAutomation TechnologiesDigital Manufacturing SolutionsMachine Vision SystemsX-ray SystemsMetal DetectionCheckweighing SystemsTraceability Solutions

Certifications & Qualifications

Functional Safety Certifications

Industry Keywords

OSHAANSIRIANFPAULElectrical Code Requirements

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Ray

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the qualification and deployment of controls, robotics, machine vision, inspection, and automation technologies supporting processing, packaging, and end-of-line operations.
Serve as the technical authority for automation architecture, machine safety, controls integration, and regulatory compliance.
Support strategic technology collaboration between U.S. and China operations.
Identify proven automation technologies and best practices deployed within China facilities and evaluate their applicability for U.S. operations.
Collaborate with global equipment manufacturers and technology developers to develop, pilot, and scale innovative automation, robotics, inspection, and digital manufacturing solutions.
Lead development, review, and standardization of controls architectures, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, data collection platforms, and enterprise automation standards across global operations.
Lead qualification, validation, and acceptance testing of automation, robotics, machine vision, inspection technologies, and advanced manufacturing systems.
Conduct machine safety assessments and controls reviews for regulatory and corporate safety compliance.
Partner with U.S., China, and WH Group engineering teams to evaluate, transfer, adapt, and standardize manufacturing technologies and solutions.
Collaborate with OEMs, technology developers, and internal stakeholders on next-generation automation, robotics, machine vision, AI-enabled inspection, and digital manufacturing technologies.
Evaluate and qualify processing controls, packaging systems, robotics, machine vision, X-ray, metal detection, checkweighing, traceability, and end-of-line automation solutions.
Conduct supplier audits, factory evaluations, equipment reviews, and system validation activities.
Serve as controls, automation, or engineering lead and subject matter expert for strategic capital projects, including equipment design review, U.S. compliance modifications, and implementation support.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 manufacturing organizations preferred.
Knowledge of OSHA, ANSI, RIA, NFPA, UL, and electrical code requirements.
Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Ability to travel domestically greater than 50% and internationally as required.
Mandarin language skills and functional safety certifications are a plus.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation Package Available
Comprehensive total rewards package
Equal opportunity employment
Reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process