Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

Danone North America; 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 lead cybersecurity strategies and enhance operational efficiency. This role involves collaborating with engineering teams to implement cybersecurity policies while utilizing advanced tools for threat mitigation and system monitoring. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial networking, PLC programming, and experience in managing cybersecurity programs. Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and community, where your expertise will directly impact the safety and efficiency of operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in automation and operations technology.
• Experience with IT/OT network segregation and cybersecurity certifications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Enforce cybersecurity policies and perform daily health checks on OT systems.
• Manage legacy system migrations and participate in cybersecurity audits.
• Coordinate with regional IT for system performance improvements.

Skills

OT Cybersecurity program management

Industrial networking and protocols

PLC programming

Electrical systems

AutoCAD

Microsoft Visio

SCADA/HMI systems

Programming languages and SQL

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

Claroty

Hackuity

Qualys

Firewalls

Beyond Trust

Factory Talk Security

Job description

Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

Job Locations: US-TX-Dallas | US-TX-Fort Worth

ID: 2025-16401

Number of People to Hire: 1

Job Family: Manufacturing

Level of Experience: Experienced Professionals

About the Job

The Automation & Operations Technology Engineer will be the primary contact for Operational Technology Cybersecurity strategy, improvement, and maintenance. This role acts as a liaison between plant operations and regional/global IT and Cybersecurity teams, supporting Danone plants in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

The main responsibilities include utilizing cybersecurity tools (Claroty, Hackuity, Qualys, Firewalls, Beyond Trust, Factory Talk Security) for threat mitigation, vulnerability management, alert monitoring, preventing unauthorized access, and maximizing industrial automation system availability. The role also involves collaborating with operations and engineering teams to ensure cybersecurity policies are followed, supporting automation projects, participating in patching campaigns, and assisting during cybersecurity incidents.

Candidates must be able to lift at least 30 lbs, work long hours when needed, travel within the US and abroad (~30-40%), and be available for on-call and flexible hours, including weekends and holidays during project implementations.

Job Responsibilities

• Enforce Danone Global OT cybersecurity policies and standards
• Perform daily health checks on OT systems
• Improve cybersecurity KPIs (Vulnerability, Alerts, Backup systems, PLC Security)
• Report monthly cybersecurity KPIs to leadership
• Report high-priority cybersecurity incidents
• Manage legacy system migrations and obsolescence
• Manage industrial automation asset data with Claroty xDome
• Manage vendor remote and onsite wireless access to OT systems
• Participate in cybersecurity audits and maintain reports
• Maintain and update automation architecture and network monitoring software
• Manage hardware lifecycle and perform patch management
• Develop master plans for industrial networking and applications
• Share knowledge within the North American network
• Ensure compliance with automation standards in projects
• Coordinate with regional IT for system performance and obsolescence improvements
• Travel occasionally (~30-40%) for training and projects

About You

Experience in:

• OT Cybersecurity program management
• Industrial networking and protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP, etc.)
• PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider)
• Electrical systems (24VDC, 120VAC, 480VAC)
• AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio
• SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, Factory Talk)
• Programming languages and SQL (plus)

Additional skills:

• Self-directed, organized, and team-oriented
• Experience with IT/OT network segregation, cybersecurity certifications (ISA/IES 62443 or similar) is a plus
• Fluent in English

Experience: 5+ years in automation and operations technology; Education: Bachelor's in Engineering or equivalent experience in manufacturing automation and information systems.

About Us & Next Steps

Join Danone North America, home to brands like Activia, Silk, evian, and more. We are a Certified B Corp committed to health, community, and sustainability. We offer a diverse, inclusive environment and equal opportunity employment. #LI-NORAM #LI-ES2 #LI-ONSITE