Automation Engineer

About The Job

At Danone, manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. The Automation Engineer is a self-driven/self-motivated individual capable of working proficiently, both independently and as part of a team, without direct supervision. The successful individual must have a passion for safety and be able to foster effective working relationships built upon trust and respect within all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format and completed with all required information
• Attend and practice all required training
• Lead predictive maintenance techniques on equipment to enhance uptime conditions
• Train maintenance mechanics and machine operators on maintenance techniques when called to troubleshoot or repair equipment
• Leads the completion of preventative maintenance and other reliability tasks, and leads in diagnostics, repairs and rebuilds of machines, partners with Automation Engineers & others on non-routine repairs and defect handling solutions
• Design and calibrate control systems/Upgrade control system
• Calibrate new and existing instruments, control valves, controllers, etc.
• Maintain daily maintenance and plant calibration logs
• Able to be contacted in case of, and responds to, an emergency
• Able to read, modify, and troubleshoot through PLC and HMI codes
• Install VFD’s, program, and tune settings for proper operation
• Lead root cause analysis thought process to ensure sustainability of corrective actions and/or advise Automation Engineers of improvements to drive asset reliability
• Effectively complete PM’s as scheduled to eliminate unplanned downtime
• Proficient and diligent in use of CMMS system to track maintenance action items
• Classify breakdowns and analyze gaps in the entire process of design, fabrication, and maintenance of equipment
• Utilize the continuous improvement mindset and tools to actively participate in identifying and correcting opportunities, improving processes including participation in the creation and documentation of Standard Operating Procedures and Work Instructions, the creation and maintenance of preventative maintenance standards, the writing of One-Point Lessons, and participation in continuous improvement methodology events
• Communicate effectively with Forepersons, OPEX Leaders, Production Leaders, Reliability Leader, Engineering and other colleagues
• Supports plant production needs and priorities to achieve plant goals
• Facilitate, attend and participate in team meetings and programs
• Lead, train, and coach employees
• Comply with all regulations, policies and procedures
• All other duties as assigned or become evident

Physical Demands

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear.
• Occasionally required to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.

Engagement in our Integrated Work Systems

• Ensure adherence to plant standards and procedures (including but not limited to GMP, AIB, FDA, IWS, Quality, Safety, Finance, ISO, HOPE, Danone Behaviors, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE).
• As a fundamental piece of the organization, your responsibility is to participate and own the implementation and deployment of IWS system and its pillars (Leadership foundation, Daily Direction Setting, Driving OE; Autonomous Maintenance; planned Maintenance; Focused Improvement; Education and Training; Environmental, Health and Safety; Quality; Organization; Supply Network; Early Equipment Management) with the objective of owning your space, owning your performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $95K-$115K per year.
• The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, internal equity, and market conditions.
• Danone U.S. additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a 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.

About You

• The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, experience, and skills that enable them to excel in this position.
• The following qualifications outline what we’re looking for, including both required and preferred criteria:
• Education & Experience:
  • Industrial Maintenance, Automation, Robotics or equivalent training program completion preferred
  • Bachelor’s Degree (BS Degree in Chemical /Mechanical Engineer or Computer Science is preferred)
  • And/or 10+ years’ experience in automation and controls preferred
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Proficiency with Allen Bradley and Rockwell Authorization software/hardware, structured test programming and familiar with VFD’s
  • Proficiency in MS Office and basic PC skills
  • Understanding of network systems
  • Capital project support experience
  • Instrument calibration experience. Certification preferred.
  • Working knowledge of food industry standards; AIB, PMO and FDA regulations
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven decision-making ability and works well in a team environment
  • Ability to prioritize and multitask
  • Ability to work various hours and shifts
  • Able to work overtime when required
  • Flexibility

About Us

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.