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 West Jordan, Utah yogurt manufacturing facility.  

Position Summary:

This exempt position reports to the Automation Engineering Manager and plays a critical role in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of plant systems and equipment. The role is responsible for analyzing current processes and leading all phases of continuous improvement—including structural, mechanical, controls, and automation systems.  The Automation engineer will evaluate and implement process improvements, oversee modifications, and ensure compliance with company automation standards, AssetCentre protocols, and cybersecurity requirements. This position also supports instrumentation and metrology design, calibration, and documentation. In addition, the engineer will provide training on both new and existing systems and collaborate closely with internal teams and external OEM contractors to ensure successful project execution. This position requires on-call availability and a proactive approach to driving innovation and operational excellence across the facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage improvement projects across all plant areas, prioritizing based on manpower, technical feasibility, and production needs.
• Engage with OEM contractors for quoting, project execution, and compliance with company automation standards and cybersecurity protocols.
• Perform software upgrades and maintain automation documentation and specifications.
• Design and implement control systems, including hardware and software integration.
• Research, evaluate, and select appropriate equipment and instrumentation.
• Develop and deliver training programs for new, modified, and existing systems.
• Ensure successful integration of Automation processes into the overall organization.
• Establish and promote best practices and benchmarks for maintenance and automation.
• Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress and impact.
• Mentor and develop team members through structured training and progression plans.
• Foster strategic partnerships with internal departments and third-party vendors.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve plant performance and reliability.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the maintenance and operation of the equipment, systems, and processes for the overall facility meet compliance standards of all external regulatory agencies to include: PMO, OSHA, EPA, FDA and all other applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• Occasionally you may need to climb stairs, step ladders, stool.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

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

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 and Experience:

• A high school diploma or GED is required. A bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering is preferred.
• In lieu of a completed bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 7 years' experience in automation and controls (could include internships), is required. 
• Proficiency with Rockwell Automation software and Ladder Logic programming.
• Experience in Capital project support.
• Instrument calibration experience. Certification preferred.
• Familiarity with general electrical systems and dairy industry systems.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of food industry standards; AIB, PMO and FDA regulations
• Strong commitment to reliability and performance improvement.
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse, cross functional teams.
• Effective communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels.
• Working knowledge of food industry standards; AIB, PMO and FDA regulations.
• Ability to support a 24/7 work environment as business needs dictate.

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.

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