Electrical Technician
Smithfield Foods · Sioux Falls, SD
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Reliability
- Travel
- Includes overnights
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- 11 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level reliability role at Smithfield Foods (food & beverage) in Sioux Falls, SD. $1.10/hr Shift Differential for 2nd or 3rd shift.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Robotics, Automation, Machining, Welding
- Day to day
- overnight travel · 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.
South Dakota plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 13 other live reliability postings in South Dakota.
- Experience asked
- Typical (2+ years)
Similar roles usually ask 2+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 43%
- ✓ PLC 43%
- ✓ Welding 36%
- TPM 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Machining, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
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
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability 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
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
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 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
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 Sioux Falls
10 other open roles at this site.
- Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
- Automation Engineer · Controls
- Plant Maintenance Supervisor - Refrigeration · Reliability · Supervisor
- Plant Maintenance Supervisor - 2nd Shift · Reliability · Supervisor
- Plant Maintenance Supervisor - 1st Shift · Reliability · Supervisor
- Director, Plant Engineering · Production · Director+
Full description from Smithfield FoodsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
- ✓Journeyman Electrical License or completion of a 2 year degree in either; Robotics, PLC, instrumentation, electrical, electronics, or Megatronics program.
- ✓Two years of industrial maintenance experience including comprehensive knowledge in three or more of the following areas:
- ✓Mechanical systems
- ✓Predictive/Predictive maintenance
- ✓Maintenance Planning
- ✓Site utilities
- ✓System analysis & troubleshooting
- ✓Pipefitting & welding
- ✓Machining
- ✓Metal Fabrication
- ✓Electricity & motor controls
- ✓Controls & instrumentation
- ✓PLC/software & hardware
- ✓Pneumatics & Hydraulics
- ✓Basic computer skills and the ability to work independently are also required for this position.
- ✓Preference will be given to candidates with a certification or degree in mechanical, electrical or industrial maintenance and/or related college or technical level course work.
- ✓This is a full time hourly position; all applicants should be willing to work all shifts (days/evenings/overnights), extended hours and weekends.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- ✓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.
- ✓Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds
- ✓Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds utilizing the buddy system or specifically designed lifting devices
- ✓Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- ✓Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
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 - $29.85/hr-$37.55/hr
- •$1.10/hr Shift Differential for 2nd or 3rd shift
- •Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
- •Open to moving? We will help! Ask about our Relocation Assistance packages!
In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth, professional development, and tuition assistance.
Smithfield Foods of Sioux Falls, SD is seeking qualified trades people with previous Electrical training & experience to join our Maintenance team. Individuals with Electrical Electronics and/or Electrical experience will be given preference.
Core
Qualified candidates should have a working knowledge of
- •Programmable logic/automation controllers, human-machine interfaces, hardware, and associated programming languages (Ladder Logic, FBD, SFC, Structured Text). Platforms include; Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE, Horner, Opto22.
- •Strong knowledge of AC induction motors, controls, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanical systems, start-up, and troubleshooting.
- •Computer/device networking using standard protocols (Ethernet/IP, Devicenet, Modbus, Hart, DH+/485, ASCII)
- •Knowledgeable in processes such as food processing/packaging, water treatment, refrigeration, and boiler control
Successful candidates will
- •Demonstrate strong safety leadership skills and follow safe work practices.
- •Work as part of a team to plan and conduct equipment repairs.
- •Conduct routine audits and equipment inspections.
- •Maintain open and professional line of communication with operations.
- •Respond to unplanned/emergency work requests in a timely & effective manner.
- •Follow food safety and good manufacturing practices.
- •Be highly motivated and able to work independently.