About the job
We are seeking an accomplished automation engineering professional with hands-on experience in design, implementation, management, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems.
Job Summary
The Automation Engineering Manager will lead the development, implementation, standardization, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role will collaborate with plant and corporate stakeholders to improve operational efficiency, product quality, food safety, cybersecurity, and system reliability. The position will also provide technical leadership for digital manufacturing initiatives, industrial networks, and automation projects
Job Responsibilities
- Support current and future manufacturing processes by collaborating with business stakeholders to design and implement automation and control systems that improve operational efficiency, product quality, and food safety.
- Develop preliminary design concepts and presentations to support project evaluation, capital planning, and approval.
- Manage the lifecycle of automation hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure.
- Facilitate the evaluation and deployment of artificial intelligence tools that support digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Provide technical leadership for industrial applications, automation platforms, and networking technologies.
- Implement and enforce global and regional cybersecurity policies and standards for industrial automation and Operational Technology systems.
- Collaborate with global and regional automation teams to develop, maintain, and implement automation standards across manufacturing facilities.
- Serve as a liaison between Corporate Automation and IT to coordinate server, network switch, infrastructure, and technical support requirements.
- Assess and document existing automation and control systems; identify improvement opportunities; develop future-state solutions using appropriate technologies; and implement sustainable improvements that meet customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
- Develop and maintain plant automation, industrial network, and server architectures, including configuration, communication, and cabling standardsReview automation and controls documentation, including electrical drawings, functional analyses, HMI designs, and control programs, to ensure compliance with Danone North America's automation standards.
- Manage service contracts and coordinate application support for industrial automation platforms, including Rockwell Automation, Wonderware, Ignition, Kepware, ThinManager, Aspen InfoPlus.21, and Clarinet.
- Organize, lead, and delegate work across multiple concurrent projects of varying complexity, locations, and contractor teams, strategically utilizing contracted resources to ensure project scope, schedule, budget, and operational objectives are achieved.
- Collaborate with plant and corporate stakeholders, including Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Technical Services, R&D, IT, Legal, suppliers, and contractors, to gather input and support the successful implementation and continuous improvement of Automation and control Systems.
- Develop Request for Proposal (RFP) and User Requirements Specification (URS) documentation for industrial automation projects.
- Ensure automation and control systems meet minimum performance and safety requirements, deliver consistent and repeatable results, and maintain compatibility with other standard-compliant equipment and systems.
- Develop internal automation policies, procedures, technical documentation, and training programs for existing and new automation and control systems across the organization.
- Support Danone North America's initiatives and organizational goals as assigned.
- Travel of up to 35% is required based on project scope and schedule. Weekend and holiday travel may occasionally be required to support project needs.
- Facilitate automation and control system feasibility studies and plant operational-impact assessments, including the development of design concepts, information-flow diagrams, and capital estimates.
- Develop Automation and Controls Systems documentation including functional descriptions, equipment specifications, standards, and best practices.
- Analyze, compare, and recommend Automation and Control Systems engineering proposals.
The salary range for this position is $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone USA additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.