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Electrical Automation Technician - 1st & 2nd Shift ($5,000 Sign-On Bonus)

Smithfield Foods · Nashville, TN

Level
Technician
Team
Controls
Industry
Food & beverage
Posted
11 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A technician-level controls role at Smithfield Foods (food & beverage) in Nashville, TN. Two-year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, and experience.

Tools it names
Root cause, FDA / GMP, PLC, Automation
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage · relocation help

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Maintenance Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $58k–$84k.

Median of the low and high ends of 37 live postings that list pay, out of 1616 maintenance technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Tennessee plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 199 other live controls postings in the US.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $97k–$130k, from 8 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Not stated

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 55%
  • ✓ PLC 55%
  • Robotics 32%
  • Union environment 27%
  • ✓ Root cause 25%
  • ✓ Team leadership 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for FDA / GMP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverageRelocation help

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Smithfield Foods

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Smithfield Foods in Nashville

3 other open roles at this site.

Full description from Smithfield FoodsAs posted on their careers site.Show

requirements

In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance.

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

The Electrical Automation Technician will safely and efficiently maintain, troubleshoot, and work to improve the electrical and automation systems within the production facility. This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules as well as an obligation to reinforce Safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures, and activities related to Food Safety & Quality are followed and complied with uniformly in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

Core

Responsibilities

  • ◆Adhere to safe work practices, complete monthly safety audits/observations, follow GMP’s, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality and personnel safety.
  • ◆Always ensure regulatory compliance
  • ◆Interpret electrical schematics and user manuals
  • ◆Troubleshoot process issues with automation software.
  • ◆Troubleshoot hardware issues with PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and touchscreens.
  • ◆Use advanced network troubleshooting to diagnose control networking issues.
  • ◆Work with IT to troubleshoot and maintain servers.
  • ◆Create user manuals and training documentation. Train technicians as appropriate.
  • ◆Identify and facilitate process and automation improvements.
  • ◆Assist and consult with management/engineering on projects as needed.
  • ◆Provide support and leadership to the maintenance technicians.
  • ◆Manage, backup and organize all electrical/automation related documentation for the facility (programs, schematics, network information, manuals, etc.)

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 .

  • ✓Two-year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, and experience.
  • ✓Experience in mechanical systems, hydraulic and pneumatics helpful
  • ✓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.
  • ✓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 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, 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.
  • ✓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.
  • ✓Perform other duties as assigned
  • ✓Able to work weekends, holidays and overtime as needed.

IndSPR-M/E

Relocation Package Available

Yes

EEO Information

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!

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If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

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. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:

  • •Competitive Starting Pay - $39.23-$44.10/hr
  • •$1/hr Shift Differential for 2nd Shift
  • •Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
  • •Education benefit available to full and part-time Smithfield team members upon meeting eligibility

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