Associate Automation Engineer

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis US Yogurt, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a HR Generalist based in Brattleboro, VT.

Associate Automation Engineer

As an Associate Automation Engineer, this role is responsible for activities including, but not limited to, milk and liquid ingredient receiving, separation and storage processes, and operation of CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems within production areas. The position requires all tasks to be performed in compliance with PMO, FDA, and Lactalis standards. Additionally, the Associate Automation Engineer partners with Processing and Productivity teams to ensure responsibilities align with organizational goals and core values. This position reports to the Engineering Project Manager. 

Responsibilities

· Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electronic and mechanical equipment and facility systems.

· Support diagnostics and troubleshooting of control systems, including PLCs, I/O modules, and VFDs.

· Identify and resolve communication issues across networks such as Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and 

AS-i.

· Access plant control systems to troubleshoot, modify, and document program updates.

· Respond to equipment breakdowns and assist with emergency repairs.

· Perform preventive maintenance, scheduled work, testing, and calibration on equipment and controls.

· Collaborate with external vendors and contractors on controls and programming needs.

· Install and commission new equipment and automation devices.

· Maintain accurate documentation, including program records and manufacturing reports.

· Provide technical support to maintenance and cross-functional teams to resolve process and equipment issues.

· Partner with departments to improve operational efficiency and support automation in areas such as Filling/Packaging and CIP.

· Ensure compliance with OSHA safety standards, GMPs, and all plant safety requirements.

· Uphold food safety and quality standards in accordance with plant procedures and HACCP principles.

· Support audits and ensure all programs meet company, FDA, PMO, and Lactalis SOP requirements.

Qualifications  

Education

· HS Diploma or higher

Experience

· 1+ years of technical support experience in a manufacturing environment; dairy industry experience preferred.

· Familiarity with Windows user and server environments, including Active Directory, preferred.

· Experience with Allen-Bradley hardware, including SLC, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix PLCs, as well as related I/O and communication systems.

· Working knowledge of Rockwell Automation software (e.g., RSLogix, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, FT Transaction Manager, FT Historian).

· Understanding of PMO standards and food safety regulations.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

· Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and technical documentation for troubleshooting.

· Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

· Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

· Adaptability to changing priorities and work conditions.

Requirements

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.