2027 Electrical & Automation (E&A) Engineer Development Program

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

About the role

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This is a two-year, hands-on Electrical & Automation (E&A) Engineer Development Program designed to develop the next generation of E&A Engineers who will power the factory of the future and support our bold digital ambition. The program is approximately 24 months at a designated Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence (COE) factory, with a structured curriculum, mentorship, and development experiences. Upon successful completion, participants transition into a full-time Electrical & Automation Engineer position at one of our U.S. factories or distribution centers.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Technical & Hands-On Learning
  • Build foundational E&A skills through hands-on work, structured training, and guided practice with experienced E&A leaders.
  • Support process improvements by gathering data, documenting findings, and assisting senior engineers with quality, safety, and efficiency initiatives.
  • Assist daily operations & maintenance of electrical power, instrumentation, and control systems—including early exposure to digital tools that improve reliability.
• Compliance, Documentation & Sustainability
  • Help maintain accurate electrical and automation documentation and support change control processes.
  • Support energy and water saving initiatives and assist in tracking results.
  • Learn asset management fundamentals, including equipment condition, lifecycle, and capital planning support.
• Capital Projects & Digital Exposure
  • Contribute to capital investment projects—from scoping and vendor support to commissioning, testing, and documentation.
  • Gain real-world exposure to industrial automation & controls (PLCs/SCADA, instrumentation, industrial networking).
  • Learn how data drives predictive/automated decision making.
• Additional Program Experience
  • Support the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical, automation, MES, and digital systems.
  • Troubleshoot control systems and support project execution.
  • Assist with technical documentation, specifications, procurement, programming support, assembly, and commissioning.
  • Provide technical support and training to operators and technicians.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational goals.

Program Timeline

• Phase 1—First ~4 months: Foundational Manufacturing & Nestlé Understanding
  • Build a strong technical and business foundation through immersive learning and cross-functional rotations.
  • Shadow and gain hands-on exposure to Engineering & Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Performance, SH&E, Quality, and Production.
  • Lead meaningful projects that deliver real value.
• Phase 2—Last ~20 months: Deeper E&A Technical Skill-Building
  • Transition into more advanced Electrical & Automation skill-building and leadership development.
  • Receive mentorship and networking opportunities with senior leaders.
  • Participate in scenario-based leadership training and Nestlé leadership practices.
  • Develop deep E&A skills in areas such as:
    • Power distribution
    • Motor & power controls
    • Factory automation standards
    • Electrical safety & arc flash
    • Instrumentation and calibration
    • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)
    • Advanced process controls
    • Robotics, IIoT, and digital technologies
    • Data analytics
• Program Completion

  Transition into a full-time Electrical & Automation Engineer role at a Nestlé USA factory or distribution center—ready to make a significant impact.

Requirements

• Education

  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or other related engineering discipline (completed or expected by June 2027). Preferred cumulative GPA: 3.0+.

• Experience (Preferred)
  • Electrical & Automation internship or co-op
  • Leadership experience (student orgs, athletics, community)
  • Manufacturing experience
  • Demonstrated problem-solving experience
• Additional Requirements
  • Available to start June 2027.
  • Ability to relocate to one of our Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence factory locations across Nestlé USA for the approximately two-year program. Available locations are: Jonesboro, AR and Waverly, IA.
  • Ability to be placed in one of our Nestlé USA factories or Distribution Centers at the end of the program into an Electrical & Automation Engineer position.
  • Limited travel for training events.
  • Willingness to work any shift which may include first, second, third, weekends, holidays, extended shifts (e.g., 10-hour or 12-hour schedules), as required throughout the program.
  • Ability to work in ambient conditions that may be cold, wet, or warm.
  • Strong communication, analytical, and leadership potential.
  • Team-oriented mindset, resilience, adaptability, and willingness to “fail forward.”
  • Ability to connect the dots across complex systems and think end-to-end.
  • Comfortable leading in a factory environment.
  • Comfortable with ambiguous situations and challenging assignments.

Benefits

• Relocation package (for eligible candidates).
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, mental wellness programs, and financial health benefits.
• Immersion into a dynamic and inclusive work culture.
• Mentorship and professional coaching from experienced leaders.
• Performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match and healthcare coverage.
• Opportunities to engage in community service events.

Pay

The pay rate for this position is $92,000. Please note that the pay rate provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location.