Automation Engineer

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If you’re excited about a great job and a great future, Smithfield Foods can give you that. We’re a leading American food company in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re seeking motivated people eager to join our team and build long‑lasting, meaningful careers.
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The Automation Engineer works on automation projects, both as a team member and a team leader, interacting with business partners to understand and develop automation requirements and transform them into effective software solutions using software engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria. The Automation Engineer leverages a combination of experience in process control and monitoring, MES, SCADA, and motion control systems to apply theories and principles of science and mathematics to design and develop technical projects for the pork industry and will perform engineering assignments over a wide range of projects of varying complexity.

• Develops preliminary engineering designs, and device specifications.

• Conducts feasibility studies and develops project cost estimates.

• Determines design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes for assigned projects.

• Performs field work and adapts collections to translate completed projects into as-built drawings.

• Collaborates with key operations and maintenance personnel to develop design specifications.

• Develops user/operator interfaces, custom reports, and analytical tools, process automation, utility control programs and application code.

• Develops control applications within Ignition, and Factory Talk View.

• Develops and designs GUI, and HMI graphics, applications and database architecture.

• Coordinates and provides direction to equipment vendors to plan layouts, meet utilities requirements and maintain installation schedules.

• Provides startup support and training.

• Develops user/operator interfaces, custom reports, and analytical tools.

• Develops process control programs and application code.

• Designs database architecture. Reports and Proposals.

• Conducts engineering planning, design and operational studies in pre-project studies.

• Conducts audits on project performance and sustainability initiatives.

• Assists plant personnel in troubleshooting and downtime situations.

• Conducts analysis on downtime risk prevention.

The above 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.

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 and 2+ years' relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin, preferred.

• Proficient in PLC/PAC programming languages.

• Experience with Ignition and Factory Talk View platforms, preferred.

• Knowledge of vision systems and programming.

• Proficient in operator interface development using Ignition, Java, or Rockwell Software.

• Knowledge of computer programming languages (Python, Java, VB).

• Knowledge of database architecture and structured query language.

• Must possess strong knowledge of process controls, motor controls, instrumentation, automation principals, and industrial networking.

• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred.

• Ability to apply sound engineering principles to operational and design issues.

• Knowledge of installation and construction project scheduling. Must possess Project Management skills;
  Contract Administration skills;
  National codes and standards interpretation skills. Previous experience in the…