Automation Engineer Role in at Danone SA – Apply Now!

🔎 Job Details

📌 Job Title: Automation Engineer
🏭 Company: Danone South Africa
📍 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
🏢 Work Type: On-site
📄 Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

About Danone

Danone is a global food and beverage leader committed to building a healthier world through nutrition. With some of the most recognised brands in South Africa, including Nutriday, Yogisip, and Inkomazi, Danone operates in a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment where innovation, quality, and operational excellence are key.

At Danone, employees are encouraged to shape their careers around their strengths. The company values individuality, entrepreneurship, and continuous development, offering long-term career growth for professionals who thrive in complex production environments.

Role Overview

The Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring optimum availability, reliability, and performance of plant automation and instrumentation systems. The role focuses on minimising downtime, improving operational efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives through effective automation, control systems optimisation, and preventative maintenance.

This position plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations within a highly regulated FMCG environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high availability and optimal performance of plant automation and instrumentation systems

• Optimise automation systems and operator aids to reduce downtime and increase production efficiency

• Attend to breakdowns and perform preventative maintenance on automation and instrumentation equipment

• Conduct technical root cause analysis to identify recurring issues and implement corrective actions

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across production and control systems

• Maintain and troubleshoot PLC, SCADA, and industrial IT systems

• Ensure automation systems comply with safety, quality, and operational standards

• Support production teams with automation-related technical expertise

Qualifications

• Qualified Instrument Technician

• Diploma in Process Control and Instrumentation

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in instrumentation within an FMCG or food manufacturing environment

• Proven exposure to structured technical root cause analysis methodologies

• Strong experience supporting high-speed, continuous production operations

Technical Skills & Systems Knowledge

• Siemens Step 7

• WinCC and WinCC Flex

• Wonderware Window Viewer and Window Maker

• Mitsubishi GX Developer and PLC systems

• Allen Bradley ControlLogix / ProLogix 5000

• Siemens Starter, Microwin, Simotion Scout, and TIA Portal

• Schneider PLC platforms

Equipment & Industrial Systems Exposure

• Siemens PLC systems, particularly S5 and S7

• Industrial drives and motor control systems

• Industrial IT environments

• SQL Servers

• SCADA systems

• Profibus PA and DP

• AS-i communication systems

• Ethernet-based industrial communication

• DeviceNet

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability

• High attention to detail in fault-finding and diagnostics

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in production environments

• Strong collaboration and communication skills

• Proactive and continuous improvement mindset

• Ability to operate independently within defined operational frameworks

CV Tips

• Highlight hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, and FMCG production systems

• Clearly outline breakdown response and preventative maintenance exposure

• Include examples of downtime reduction or efficiency improvements

• Emphasise experience with Siemens, Allen Bradley, or Mitsubishi platforms

• Demonstrate familiarity with regulated food manufacturing environments

What Danone Offers

• A permanent role with long-term career growth potential

• Exposure to globally recognised FMCG brands

• A fast-paced, innovative manufacturing environment

• A people-first culture focused on individual strengths and development

• Opportunities to grow your career within a global organisation

Employment Equity & Company Commitment

Danone is committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Appointments are made in line with operational requirements, applicable labour legislation, and internal employment equity objectives.