Senior Automation & Controls Engineer Manager

Smithfield Foods • Suffolk, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Process Improvement team, the Senior Automation and Controls Engineering Manager will analyze data, draft implementation plans for production process optimization, and execute process and performance management systems & controls across a fleet of 35+ plants. This role focuses on maximizing efficiencies by eliminating waste of valuable resources that directly impact overall operating costs, instrumental to the manufacturing of Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and other product brands. The manager will define and update the long-term technology roadmap of the company, leading a team of continuous improvement, engineering, maintenance, and operations professionals across hardware and software disciplines to develop and design automation solutions. The position requires combining fundamental controls and process engineering knowledge with recent advances in automation to deliver creative solutions for real-world manufacturing problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing industries with a strong focus on automation and controls design; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required
• Experience in development of distributed, networked control systems, especially Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions
• Skilled at PLC/HMI programming, equipment connectivity, and SCADA system development for production floor management
• Expert knowledge in the development within Ignition software is required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning and adaptability
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment

Nice To Haves

• Lean or six sigma experience (green or black belt certified preferred)
• Knowledge of engineering principles and techniques related to food processing and the meat industry, preferred

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements the manufacturing vision, strategy/technology roadmap that supports the convergence of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Collaborates across functional groups to ensure strategy and technology roadmap meets the needs of the organization and support delivering results
• Drives the right technology choices for automation and presents the technology roadmap for both immediate and long-term growth
• Combines deep process engineering understanding and machine learning capability to create scalable controls and manufacturing solutions
• Takes the business problems and derives to a technology solution that may encompass one or more products and services, ensuring it aligns with business objectives and fits into the technology roadmap of the organization
• Monitors and evaluates external technology trends that could impact the company
• Conducts research and case studies on leading edge automation technologies and makes determinations on the probability of implementation
• Responsible for the development of the standard software and hardware architecture(s) for all automation projects and will work with multiple teams for coordinated implementation
• Interface with IT to ensure continuity of IT/OT across the company
• Partner externally with food processing equipment vendors, universities, technical consulting individuals/companies to create and prove new systems and technologies and to leverage external resources as required
• Provides leadership, guidance and training to Engineering professionals
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions

Benefits

• Robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers
• Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost
• Programs uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs
• Partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs
• Leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent
• Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children
• Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees