Senior Electrical Automation Technician (Nights)

Smithfield Foods • Kinston, NC

10d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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, required.
• 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.
• Ability to respond to questions from internal/external customers/vendors at all levels including management.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell automation required.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Effectively communicate the status of issues and projects with management, vendors, peers, and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and support to the maintenance technicians at the facility.
• Use the appropriate tools (e.g., Multimeter, PC, Software) to troubleshoot and diagnose the root cause of electrical issues in the facility.
• Work with internal and external resources to resolve issues as quickly and effectively as possible.
• Doesn't mind working weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics helpful
• 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.
• Assumes personal responsibility to insure safe and healthy workplace for everyone.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.

Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of safety by adhering to best work practices, conducting monthly safety audits, and ensuring rigorous GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) 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.
• Decode complex electrical schematics and user manuals to troubleshoot and maintain cutting-edge equipment, keeping operations running smoothly. You'll also solve automation and robotics software issues, applying advanced problem-solving skills to optimize processes. Tackle hardware challenges head-on by resolving PLC and touchscreen issues to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Use your expertise in network troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve control networking issues, keeping systems connected and reliable. Collaborate with IT to maintain and troubleshoot servers, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations.
• Take the lead in identifying and driving automation improvements that elevate processes, making them faster, more efficient, and more reliable. Be a key partner to management and engineering teams, offering valuable insights and consulting on innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Create engaging user manuals and training materials that empower the team to succeed and improve their technical skills. Inspire and 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 (programs, schematics, network info) for quick access and secure storage.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer 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.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are 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.
• Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential. Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent. For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning. We also offer unique benefits like our 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree