Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

Danone is seeking an experienced Automation & Operations Technology Engineer to lead Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity strategy and serve as the primary liaison between plant operations and regional/global IT and cybersecurity teams. This role supports both the Minster, Ohio and Boucherville, Quebec manufacturing facilities.

The ideal candidate will ensure the security, reliability, and continuous improvement of industrial automation systems while aligning with Danone's global cybersecurity standards. This is a hands-on, on-site role requiring regular travel (~30-40%) and flexibility for on-call support.

Key Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Leadership

• Implement and enforce Danone's global OT cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Monitor and manage cybersecurity tools (e.g., Claroty, Hackuity, Qualys, Firewalls, BeyondTrust, FactoryTalk Security).
• Conduct daily health checks and monitor alerts to mitigate threats and manage vulnerabilities.
• Manage remote and wireless vendor access to OT systems.
• Lead incident response and recovery efforts during cybersecurity events.
• Report KPIs and high-priority incidents to plant and regional leadership.

• Automation & Systems Management

• Maintain and improve industrial automation systems (hardware, SCADA, databases, networks).
• Support legacy system migrations and manage hardware/software obsolescence.
• Maintain architecture drawings and network monitoring tools (HiVision, PRTG).
• Organize and execute patching campaigns in coordination with infrastructure teams.
• Develop master plans for industrial networking and application roadmaps.

• Collaboration & Compliance

• Partner with operations and engineering teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity and automation standards.
• Participate in audits and maintain documentation.
• Share best practices across Danone North America.
• Facilitate meetings with IT teams to improve system performance and reliability.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in automation and OT in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong knowledge of:
• OT cybersecurity program management
• Industrial networking protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, IO-Link, AS-i)
• PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider)
• Microsoft Office and server environments
• AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio
• Basic electrical knowledge (24VDC, 120VAC, 480VAC systems)
• Experience with IT/OT network segregation (Purdue model)
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Fluent in English

Preferred:

• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View SE/ME)
• Familiarity with SQL and programming languages
• Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443)

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work extended hours as needed
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~30-40%)
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and off-shifts during special projects

At Danone North America, you'll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You'll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. 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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