Automation and Operations Technology Engineer

Danone North America is seeking a skilled Automation & Operations Technology Engineer to lead Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity efforts and drive automation improvements across our Dallas and Fort Worth manufacturing facilities. This role serves as the primary liaison between plant operations and regional/global IT and cybersecurity teams, ensuring robust protection of industrial systems and seamless integration of new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Leadership

• Implement and enforce Danone's global OT cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Monitor and manage cybersecurity tools (e.g., Claroty, Hackuity, FactoryTalk Security, Firewalls).
• Conduct daily health checks and monitor alerts across OT systems.
• Manage threat mitigation, vulnerability assessments, and remote access controls.
• Report cybersecurity KPIs monthly to plant and regional leadership.
• Lead incident response and recovery efforts for high-priority cybersecurity events.

• Automation & Systems Management

• Oversee the lifecycle of industrial automation systems (hardware, software, networks).
• Maintain and update architecture diagrams and network monitoring tools (HiVision, PRTG).
• Manage vendor access (remote and onsite wireless) to OT systems.
• Support legacy system migrations and software upgrades.
• Collaborate on automation improvement projects and plant shutdowns.

• Collaboration & Compliance

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

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in automation and OT within a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Hands-on experience with:
• OT cybersecurity program management.
• Industrial networking protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, IO-Link, AS-i).
• PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider).
• Microsoft Office Suite and server environments.
• AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio.
• Strong organizational, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work extended hours when required.

Preferred:

• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View SE/ME).
• Familiarity with SQL and programming languages.
• Knowledge of the Purdue Model for IT/OT network segregation.
• Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).

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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