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 a Automation Engineer based in West Jordan, UT!

Job Summary:

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 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 and Tasks:

Leading automation projects across packaging and processing areas, prioritizing safety, quality, and production performance.
• Designing, programing, and troubleshooting PLC/HMI systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View SE/ME).
• Maintaining and improving robotics, vision systems, and motion control for high-speed packaging lines.
• Updating and enforcing automation documentation, standards, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Performing software and firmware upgrades across diverse OEM platforms.
• Developing and delivering training programs for operators and maintenance teams on new and existing systems.
• Collaborating with OEMs and vendors for quoting, project execution, and compliance with company standards.
• Supporting SCADA/MES integration for real-time data, OEE, and traceability.
• Defining and track KPIs for automation performance and reliability.
• Ensuring compliance with PMO, OSHA, EPA, FDA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Participating in risk assessments and implement safety interlocks per ISO 13849 and ANSI standards.
• Providing on-call support as part of the automation team rotation.
• Performing other duties as assigned

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.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to travel to all areas in the facility. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Ability to respond to audible and visual alarms. Ability to communicate verbally and in written form. Must be able to distinguish colors accurately. Required to lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work up to 12-hour shifts.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and may be exposed to loud noises in the plant. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

Compensation and 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Automation, Industrial or Mechatronics Engineering (preferred)
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in automation and controls within manufacturing
• Proven experience with high-speed packaging lines and robotics

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• PLC programming (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Studio 5000)
• HMI development (FactoryTalk View SE/ME)
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA)
• Robotics integration (Fanuc, Omron, Allen Bradley) and servo tuning
• Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) for label/code verification
• SCADA/MES platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk SE)
• Safety systems design (ISO 13849, OSHA) and risk assessment
• Familiarity with CIP/SIP automation for processing equipment
• Experience with automated warehouse systems (AS/RS) and WMS integration
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, AIB, PMO, FDA)
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and controls domains
• Experience with capital project management
• Knowledge of traceability systems
• Proficiency in Structured Text programming
• Strong documentation and change control discipline
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to train and mentor team members
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment

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, STK 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.

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