Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

Danone North America; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Automation & Operations Technology Engineer to lead cybersecurity initiatives across its manufacturing plants. This pivotal role involves managing cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, enforcing global policies, and collaborating with IT and engineering teams to enhance operational security. With a commitment to health and sustainability, this forward-thinking company offers a dynamic work environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and efficiency of industrial systems. Join a talented team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the industry and beyond.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage cybersecurity tools for threat mitigation and vulnerability management.
• Conduct daily health checks on OT systems and report cybersecurity KPIs.
• Participate in cybersecurity audits and manage vendor access to OT systems.

Skills

OT cybersecurity program management

Industrial networking & communication protocols

PLC programming

Electrical knowledge for control systems

AutoCAD proficiency

Microsoft Visio proficiency

Knowledge of SCADA/HMI systems

SQL programming

Microsoft Office skills

Self-directed and organized

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Tools

Claroty

Hackuity

Qualys

Firewalls

Beyond Trust

Factory Talk Security

Ignition

Wonderware

Job description

Automation & Operations Technology Engineer

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

Number of People to Hire: 1

Job Family: Manufacturing

Level of Experience: Experienced Professionals

Short Intro and About the Job

The Automation & Operations Technology Engineer will serve as the primary contact for Operational Technology Cybersecurity strategy, improvement, and maintenance. The 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 managing cybersecurity tools (Claroty, Hackuity, Qualys, Firewalls, Beyond Trust, Factory Talk Security) for threat mitigation, vulnerability management, alert monitoring, preventing unauthorized access, and maximizing the availability of industrial automation systems. The engineer will collaborate with operations and engineering teams to ensure cybersecurity policies are followed, support automation projects, participate in patching campaigns, and assist during cybersecurity incidents.

Physical requirements include lifting a minimum of 30 lbs, stamina for long hours, willingness to travel, and flexible working hours including weekends and holidays during projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Enforce Danone Global OT cybersecurity policies and standards
• Conduct daily health checks on OT systems
• Improve Cybersecurity KPIs (Vulnerability, Alerts, Backup, PLC Security)
• Report monthly cybersecurity KPIs to leadership
• Report high-priority cybersecurity incidents
• Manage legacy system migration, asset management, and data contextualization
• Manage vendor remote and onsite access to OT systems
• Participate in cybersecurity audits
• Maintain and update automation architecture and network monitoring tools
• Manage hardware lifecycle and patch installations
• Develop industrial networking and application roadmaps
• Support knowledge sharing and enforce automation standards
• Coordinate with regional IT teams for system performance improvements
• Travel approximately 30-40% for training and projects, supporting plants in UT, OR, and beyond

About You

Required experience and skills include:

• OT cybersecurity program management
• Industrial networking & communication protocols (OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP, etc.)
• PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider)
• Electrical knowledge for control systems
• AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio proficiency
• Knowledge of SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, Factory Talk)
• SQL programming and Microsoft Office skills
• Self-directed, organized, and team-oriented
• Experience in IT/OT network segregation, cybersecurity certifications (ISA/IES 62443) is a plus

Experience: 5+ years in automation and operations technology

Educational: Bachelor's in Engineering with relevant experience or extensive manufacturing experience in lieu of degree

About Us, What We Offer & What's Next

Join Danone North America, home to brands like Activia, Silk, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. Be part of a Certified B Corp committed to health, community, and sustainability with over 6,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada. Our motto: One Planet. One Health. Join us in making a difference.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more details on EEO policies and rights, please visit our website.