Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

At Danone, manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for our plant teams. We are currently looking to hire an Automation Engineer based in our yogurt manufacturing plant in West Jordan, Utah! 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. The engineer will lead continuous improvement initiatives, design and implement control systems, and ensure compliance with food safety, cybersecurity, and automation standards. This role requires strong technical expertise, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the ability to manage projects from concept through commissioning.

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:

• 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, balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; talk and hear. The employee will lift and/or move up to 60 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 Environment:

• Work is performed in a 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:

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:

Danone North America 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.

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:

• 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:

• 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