Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Manager (Bilingual - Mandarin)

Company: Smithfield Foods
Location: Smithfield
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are 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. Apply Now! Your Opportunity As part of our Continuous Improvement team, you would analyze data, draft implementation plans for production process optimization, and execute process and performance management systems & controls across a fleet of 35 plants. Seeking out ways to maximize efficiencies by eliminating the waste of valuable resources that directly impact our overall operating costs. You are instrumental to the manufacturing of Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous, and our other product brands, to meet the needs of our customers and consumers. The Senior Automation and Controls Engineering Manager will be responsible for helping define and update the long-term technology roadmap of the company and leading a talented group of continuous improvement, engineer, maintenance, and operations professionals across hardware and software disciplines to develop and design automation solutions. The Senior Automation and Controls Engineering Manager will combine fundamental controls and process engineering knowledge with recent advances in automation, delivering creative solutions that solve real-world manufacturing problems. Core 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. 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. Qualifications 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 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. Candidates with a Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 6 years of relevant experience will be considered qualified. 2 years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required. Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin, preferred. 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. 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. 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. Supervisory Responsibilities 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. Work Environment & Physical Demands The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The majority of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant. 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. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. IndSPR-Corp &xa;&xa;Relocation Package Available&xa;&xa;Yes&xa;&xa; 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.

Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Norfolk , Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Manager (Bilingual - Mandarin), Engineering , Smithfield, Virginia