Senior Global Equipment & Technology Engineer

Smithfield Foods

. Lead evaluation, design review, qualification, and deployment of processing, packaging, automation, robotics, and end-of-line equipment across pork processing operations .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in mechanical engineering with a focus on sanitary design, equipment qualification, and compliance with USDA regulations. Proven ability to lead technology transfer and implementation across international operations while optimizing processing and automation technologies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mechanical Engineering ExpertiseSanitary Design KnowledgeEquipment Qualification and ValidationProject Management SkillsMandarin Language Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Equipment SpecificationTechnology ScoutingBenchmarkingLifecycle Cost EvaluationRobotics and AutomationFood Processing SystemsPneumaticsHydraulicsFactory Acceptance TestingOperational Evaluations

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationCollaboration Skills

Tools & Technologies

OEM CollaborationTechnology DevelopmentCapital Project Management

Industry Keywords

USDA ComplianceFood Safety StandardsManufacturing EngineeringIndustrial EquipmentPackaging Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead evaluation, design review, qualification, and deployment of processing, packaging, automation, robotics, and end-of-line equipment across pork processing operations
Serve as mechanical engineering subject matter expert for performance, sanitary design, USDA, safety, reliability, and maintainability requirements
Support strategic technology alignment between U.S. and China operations
Evaluate proven technologies, equipment platforms, and best practices from China operations for adaptation and implementation in U.S. facilities
Partner with global equipment suppliers, technology developers, and internal stakeholders to develop and commercialize emerging processing and automation technologies
Lead equipment specification, qualification, and validation through design reviews, supplier assessments, factory acceptance testing, pilot trials, and operational evaluations
Conduct technical due diligence, technology scouting, benchmarking, and equipment standardization initiatives
Partner with U.S. operations, China operations, WH Group engineering teams, and external stakeholders on technology transfer and implementation
Evaluate mechanical designs, machine layouts, sanitary construction, structural systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, maintainability, and lifecycle costs
Qualify and optimize processing, packaging, conveyance, material handling, robotics, and end-of-line systems
Ensure compliance with USDA requirements, sanitary design principles, washdown-duty standards, food safety expectations, and U.S. manufacturing regulations
Collaborate with OEMs, technology providers, and research organizations
Serve as technical lead, project engineer, or subject matter expert for capital projects from concept through commissioning

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience in food processing, packaging, industrial equipment, or manufacturing engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience required
Experience qualifying and validating manufacturing equipment
Knowledge of sanitary design, washdown-duty equipment, USDA-regulated facilities, and food processing systems
Experience working directly with OEMs, equipment suppliers, and international engineering teams
Experience evaluating, adapting, and implementing technology across multiple manufacturing regions or countries preferred
Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills
Ability to travel domestically greater than 50% and internationally as required
Mandarin language skills are a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive total rewards package
Learning and development opportunities
Opportunities for career growth
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities