Automation Engineer

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 Minster, Ohio!

In this role, you’ll lead end-to-end automation and controls projects, enhance system reliability and efficiency, and support plant operations through continuous improvement of existing and new technologies in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This highly collaborative position requires a self-motivated professional who can work independently, build strong relationships across all levels, and contribute to team development through coaching and technical leadership, while also supporting instrumentation, calibration, and advanced automation integration.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of our team, you will play an important role in driving our mission forward. The following responsibilities outline the core expectations and contributions for this position:

Lead and execute all phases of controls and automation projects, including design, programming, implementation, and ongoing support
• Design, modify, upgrade, and troubleshoot control systems, PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and instrumentation to improve safety, quality, reliability, and efficiency
• Optimize processing and packaging automation to reduce material losses and enhance overall plant performance
• Integrate and standardize control systems and platforms to drive consistency and operational excellence
• Monitor, validate, and troubleshoot control loops, instrumentation, and system performance to ensure accuracy and reliability
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation, control devices, and measurement systems to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards (FDA, AIB, PMO)
• Lead and support preventative and predictive maintenance activities to minimize downtime and improve equipment uptime
• Conduct root cause analysis, diagnose equipment issues, and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Provide technical leadership, training, and coaching to maintenance teams and operators to strengthen troubleshooting and repair capabilities
• Support capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives, including participation in CI events, SOP development, and reliability programs (e.g., IWS)
• Maintain accurate documentation, including maintenance logs, calibration records, and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) tracking, ensuring audit readiness at all times
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership to support plant priorities and performance goals
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, GMP, and 5S standards while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement
• Respond to plant needs, including troubleshooting support and emergency situations, to maintain consistent production operations for a 24/7 operation

Physical Demands

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel; crouch; crawl; taste and/or smell, talk and hear.
• Ability to bend & stoop at waist level as well as bend & twist neck and head.
• The employee must regularly endure repetitive minimal to moderate lifting 10lbs up to 50lbs and occasional team lifting above 50lbs. Requires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and results.
• The employee is frequently standing on a concrete surface for 8-, 10- or 12-hour shifts
• Occasionally may need to climb stairs, step ladders, stool.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Ability to work up to 12-hour shifts.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations.
• Work schedules could include nights, weekends and/or holidays to provide the ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing environment as business needs dictate.
• Interaction with live production equipment and industrial automation systems

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.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Completion of an Industrial Maintenance, Automation, Robotics, or equivalent technical training program preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Automation, Industrial, Mechatronics, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in automation and controls within a manufacturing environment (7+ years may be considered in lieu of a degree)
• Experience supporting capital projects in a manufacturing setting required
• Instrument calibration and controls systems experience required
• Experience with high-speed packaging lines and robotics preferred
• Dairy, food, or FMCG manufacturing experience preferred
• Experience with Videojet laser and ink jet coders preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of AllenBradley and Rockwell Automation software and hardware
• Experience with structured text programming
• Strong understanding of food industry standards and regulations (AIB, PMO, FDA)
• Ability to analyze downtime, losses, and operational efficiency to recommend improvements
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with crossfunctional teams and external vendors
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Team player with the ability to lead and participate in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize plant operations in light of multiple priorities and conflicting demands.
• Engaged leadership style that develops leaders.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problems solving skills.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

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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