Automation Engineer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Captures and coordinates with equipment vendors to plan layouts, meet utilities requirements and maintain installation schedules.
• Provides startup support and training.
• 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.
  • Affords plant personnel in troubleshooting and downtime situations.
  • Conducts analysis on downtime risk prevention.

Qualifications

• 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 management of multi-million dollar projects with large scopes, preferred.
• Proficient in AutoCAD drawing skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software and Word processing software, other Microsoft Suite products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may act as a lead by providing training and guidance to others.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Relocation Package Available Yes

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595. Check out this video to learn more about this role!