Automation Engineer

Job Summary

At Danone, the Automation Engineer plays a critical role in driving safety, efficiency, and reliability across all automated systems in our yogurt production facility. This position covers the full scope of operations—from processing and fillers to packers, over wrappers, x-ray inspection, laser and wax coding, labeling, palletizers, stretch wrappers, and automated warehouse systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects across packaging and processing areas, prioritizing safety, quality, and production performance.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC/HMI systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View SE/ME).
• Maintain and improve robotics, vision systems, and motion control for high-speed packaging lines.
• Update and enforce automation documentation, standards, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Perform software and firmware upgrades across diverse OEM platforms.
• Develop and deliver training programs for operators and maintenance teams on new and existing systems.
• Collaborate with OEMs and vendors for quoting, project execution, and compliance with company standards.
• Support SCADA/MES integration for real-time data, OEE, and traceability.
• Define and track KPIs for automation performance and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with PMO, OSHA, EPA, FDA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in risk assessments and implement safety interlocks per ISO 13849 and ANSI standards.
• Provide on-call support as part of the automation team rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Occasional lifting up to 60 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations.
• Occasional work at heights required.
• Work schedules could include nights, weekends, and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.
• PPE required; safety-first culture.

Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems

• Adhere to plant standards and procedures (GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE).
• Owning your space, performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature), and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

• Performance-based bonus.
• Strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Industrial or Mechatronics Engineering (preferred).
• 5+ years’ experience in automation and controls within manufacturing required.
• Experience with high-speed packaging lines and robotics required.
• Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate. Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support needed.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Required:
• PLC programming (Allen Bradley ControlLogix, Studio 5000).
• Proficiency with Rockwell Automation software and Ladder Logic.
• HMI development (FactoryTalk View SE/ME).
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA).
• Strong troubleshooting skills (mechanical, electrical, controls).
• Strong documentation and change control discipline.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Preferred:
• SCADA/MES platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk SE).
• Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) for label/code verification.
• Safety systems design (ISO 13849, OSHA) and risk assessment.
• Proficiency in Structured Text programming.
• Robotics integration (Fanuc, Omron, Allen Bradley) and servo tuning.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, AIB, PMO, FDA).
• A Plus (Highly desired):
• Knowledge of automated warehouse systems and WMS integration.
• Familiarity with CIP/SIP automation for processing equipment.
• Knowledge of traceability systems.
• Ability to support capital projects.

About Danone

Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, a purpose-driven company and an industry leader in the food and beverage category. You'll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world. Our strong portfolio of brands includes: Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.

With approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., Danone North America's mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

You'll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working to make sure our company creates real value for people and the planet. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.