Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

Danone; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Automation & Operations Technology Engineer to enhance cybersecurity strategies across its plants in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. This dynamic role involves using advanced cybersecurity tools for threat mitigation, managing automation improvement projects, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automation technology and cybersecurity, along with the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Join a mission-driven organization committed to creating a healthier world through its well-known food and beverage brands, while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automation and operations technology with a focus on cybersecurity.
• Must be self-directed, adaptable, and a fast learner.

Responsibilities

• Manage cybersecurity policies and conduct daily health checks on OT systems.
• Drive improvements in industrial automation systems and manage vendor access.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Automation Technology

Vulnerability Management

Incident Reporting

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

10 years in food manufacturing

Tools

Claroty

Hackuity

Factory Talk Security

HiVision

PRTG

Job description

Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

• United States
• On-site
• Permanent Full-Time
• Posted: 27 Mar 2025

About the job

The Automation & Operations Technology Engineer will be the single point of contact for Operational Technology Cybersecurity strategy, improvement, maintenance and will also act as a liaison between plant operations and regional and global IT and Cybersecurity teams. This position will be responsible for Danone plants in Dallas, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas.

Primary responsibilities include using cybersecurity tools (Claroty, Hackuity, Firewalls, Factory Talk Security) for threat mitigation, vulnerability management, alert monitoring, preventing unauthorized access, and remote access management while maximizing the availability of industrial automation systems (Hardware, Network, SCADA Software, Database, Integration of new components and solutions).

This role will also involve collaboration with operations and engineering teams on corporate and plant initiatives, ensuring all cybersecurity policies are followed. Additionally, the Automation & Operations Technology Engineer will manage automation improvement projects and participate in recovery efforts during equipment and plant outages or planned shutdowns.

Candidates must be able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs, possess stamina and endurance (e.g., standing, sitting, walking) to occasionally work long hours, and have a willingness to travel stateside & abroad. Availability to be on-call and work flexible hours (e.g., weekends, off shifts, holidays during special project implementations) is also required.

Job Responsibilities:

• Enforce Danone Global OT cybersecurity policies and standards.
• Conduct daily health checks on all OT systems.
• Continuously improve Cybersecurity KPIs (Vulnerability, Cybersecurity alerts, Backup systems management, PLC Security).
• Provide formal monthly reporting of Cybersecurity KPIs to plant directors, automation director, and regional security officer.
• Report high-priority incidents related to cybersecurity to automation director and regional cybersecurity and plant leadership team.
• Manage industrial legacy system migration related to obsolete operating systems, databases, and automation software.
• Oversee Industrial Automation Asset Management and data contextualization using Claroty xDome.
• Manage vendor remote access to OT systems.
• Manage vendor onsite wireless access to OT systems.
• Participate in Cybersecurity audits and maintain audit reports.
• Drive continuous improvement of industrial automation systems.
• Maintain and update industrial automation architecture drawings and network monitoring software (HiVision, PRTG).
• Oversee industrial automation hardware life cycle management (obsolescence).
• Organize Windows patch installations in industrial automation servers and workstations with the Americas server infrastructure team.
• Develop master plans for industrial networking and industrial applications roadmap.
• Share knowledge and learnings through Danone North America networking.
• Enforce Danone North America automation standards and specifications as part of plant initiatives and projects.
• Facilitate meetings with regional IT teams regarding continuous improvement of system performance, reliability, and obsolescence.
• This role is onsite either in Dallas, TX or Fort Worth, TX.
• Travel will be required for training and supporting other plant projects (Estimated travel 20%-25%).

About you

Job Qualifications:

• Must be self-directed and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Fast learner, open to learning new things (attending training & certification related to the role as needed) and adapts to change.
• ISA/IES 62443 or any other Cybersecurity Certification is a plus.

Experience Requirement:

• 5+ years of job experience in automation and operations technology.

Educational Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing related to automation and operations technologies OR a minimum of 10 years of experience in food manufacturing related to information systems and automation technologies in lieu of a degree.

About Danone

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 ensure 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 values uniqueness and is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect.