Automation & Control Technician

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Smithfield Foods is 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.

• 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 to protect product quality and uphold the highest food safety standards. Proactively identify and report any risks that could jeopardize food safety, product quality, or personnel well‑being, taking swift action to mitigate potential hazards. Be the guardian of regulatory compliance, ensuring every action meets or exceeds industry standards.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Support:
  Decode complex electrical schematics and user manuals to troubleshoot and maintain cutting‑edge equipment, keeping operations running smoothly. Solve automation and robotics software issues, apply advanced problem‑solving skills to optimize processes. Tackle hardware challenges, resolving PLC and touchscreen issues to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Use expertise in network troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve control networking issues, keeping systems connected and reliable.
  
  Collaborate with IT to maintain and troubleshoot servers.
• Process Improvement & Project Support:
  Lead in identifying and driving automation improvements that elevate processes, making them faster, more efficient, and more reliable. Partner with management and engineering teams, offering valuable insights and consulting on innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Training & Documentation:
  Create engaging user manuals and training materials that empower the team to succeed and improve their technical skills. Mentor maintenance technicians, providing hands‑on training and guidance to help them excel in their roles. Take ownership of the facility’s electrical and automation documentation, organizing and backing up crucial files for quick access and secure storage.

• 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.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and in group situations. Respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels, including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• Self‑motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Effectively communicate the status of issues and projects with management, vendors,…