Automation Engineer

Short Intro and About the Job

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 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: 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 automation projects across packaging and processing areas, prioritizing safety, quality, and production performance.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC/HMI systems (Allen‑Bradley Control Logix, Compact Logix, Factory Talk 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 frequently stands, walks, sits, uses hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reaches with hands and arms, climbs stairs, balances, stoops, kneels or crouches, talks, and hears. 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 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 the 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 and performance (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Mobilization, Nature) and owning your continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits: Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401(k) Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition…