Automation and Operations Technology Engineer

Danone; Boucherville; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and beverage company in Canada is seeking an Automation & Operations Technology Engineer. This role focuses on cybersecurity strategy for operations technology across Danone's plants. Responsibilities include managing cybersecurity tools, ensuring policy compliance, and collaborating with operations. Candidates should have extensive experience in automation and engineering, along with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. The position requires flexibility to travel and work on-call as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in automation and operations technology.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices and policies.
• Fluent in English; French language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enforce global OT cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Conduct daily health checks on all OT systems.
• Manage industrial automation assets and data.

Skills

OT cybersecurity program management

Industrial networking protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet / IP)

PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens)

Basic electrical knowledge

AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio

SQL knowledge

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Claroty

Factory Talk Security

SCADA/HMI systems

Job description

About The Job

Automation & Operations Technology Engineer will be the single point of contact for Operational Technology Cybersecurity strategy, improvement, maintenance, and will act as a liaison between plant operations and regional and global IT and Cybersecurity teams. The position will oversee Danone plants in Minster, Ohio, and Boucherville, Quebec.

The primary responsibility of the Automation & Operations Technology Engineer is to utilize cybersecurity tools (such as Claroty, Hackuity, Qualys, Firewalls, Beyond Trust, Factory Talk Security) for threat mitigation, vulnerability management, alert monitoring, preventing unauthorized access, and remote access management. The role aims to maximize the availability of industrial automation systems, including hardware, networks, SCADA software, databases, and the integration of new components and solutions.

This role involves collaborating with operations and engineering teams on corporate and plant initiatives to ensure cybersecurity policies are followed. It also includes supporting automation improvement projects, participating in patching campaigns during planned shutdowns, and assisting in recovery efforts during cybersecurity incidents.

Candidate must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs, have stamina and endurance for long hours (standing, sitting, walking), be willing to travel domestically and internationally, and be available for on-call and flexible hours, including weekends, off-shifts, and holidays during project implementations.

Job Responsibilities

• Enforce Danone's global OT cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Conduct daily health checks on all OT systems.
• Continuously improve Cybersecurity KPIs (Vulnerability, Alerts, Backup systems, PLC Security).
• Provide formal monthly reports on Cybersecurity KPIs to plant directors, automation director, and regional security officer.
• Report high-priority cybersecurity incidents to the automation director and regional cybersecurity team.
• Manage industrial legacy system migrations related to obsolete operating systems, databases, and automation software.
• Manage industrial automation assets and data using Claroty xDome.
• Oversee vendor remote and onsite wireless access to OT systems.
• Participate in cybersecurity audits and maintain audit reports.
• Improve industrial automation systems continually.
• Maintain and update automation architecture drawings and network monitoring software (HiVision, PRTG).
• Manage the lifecycle of automation hardware, addressing obsolescence.
• Organize Windows patch installations on automation servers and workstations with the infrastructure team.
• Develop master plans for industrial networking and applications.
• Share knowledge and learnings within Danone North America networking groups.
• Enforce automation standards and specifications during plant initiatives and projects.
• Coordinate with regional IT teams to improve system performance, reliability, and address obsolescence.
• Travel approximately 30-40% monthly, managed based on business needs.
• Occasionally travel for training or plant projects.

About You

Experience in OT cybersecurity program management.

Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet / IP, Modbus TCP, IO Link, AS-i).

Proficiency in Rockwell, Siemens, or Schneider PLC programming.

Basic electrical knowledge and comfort working with 24VDC, 120VAC, and 480VAC systems.

Experience with AutoCAD and Microsoft Visio.

Familiarity with SCADA / HMI systems like Ignition, Wonderware, Factory Talk View SE / ME is a plus.

Programming languages and SQL knowledge is a plus.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and server environments.

Self-directed, independent, and team-oriented work ethic.

Organized, disciplined, capable of managing multiple projects.

Strong conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.

Experience with IT and OT network segregation using the Purdue model.

Fast learner, adaptable, and open to training and certification.

Cybersecurity certifications like ISA / IES 62443 are a plus.

Fluent in English; French language skills are strongly preferred.

Experience & Educational Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in automation and operations technology.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with relevant experience, or 10+ years in manufacturing related to automation and information systems without a degree.

About Us

At Danone North America, you’ll work with renowned brands like Activia, Silk, Two Good, Oikos, Evian, and Happy Family. Join a Certified B Corp committed to benefits for people, communities, and the planet. With over 6,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada, we are dedicated to creating a healthier world — One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to protected characteristics or unlawful considerations under applicable laws.

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