2027 Electrical & Automation (E&A) Engineer Development Program

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA • Waverly, IA

38d • $92,000 - $92,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Nestlé USA’s approximately 24-month, hands-on Electrical & Automation (E&A) Engineer Development Program prepares participants for Electrical & Automation Engineer roles supporting factory modernization and digital initiatives. Participants are based at one designated E&A Center of Excellence factory for the program, following a structured curriculum with mentorship, development experiences, and regular connection with corporate E&A subject matter experts. Upon successful completion, participants transition into a full-time Electrical & Automation Engineer position at a Nestlé USA factory or distribution center.

The first approximately four months provide foundational manufacturing and company learning through immersive experiences, cross-functional rotations, shadowing, and hands-on exposure to areas including Engineering & Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Performance, SH&E, Quality, and Production. The remaining approximately 20 months focus on advanced E&A skill-building and leadership development, including mentorship, networking, scenario-based leadership training, and experience with power distribution, motor and power controls, factory automation standards, electrical safety and arc flash, instrumentation and calibration, MES, advanced process controls, robotics, IIoT, digital technologies, and data analytics.

The program offers practical experience in the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical, automation, MES, and digital systems. The listed program location is Waverly, Iowa. Participants must be able to relocate for the program and be available for placement at a Nestlé USA factory or distribution center after completion. The role requires willingness to work any shift, potentially including weekends, holidays, and extended shifts, and to work in cold, wet, or warm ambient conditions. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or another related engineering discipline, completed or expected by June 2027.
• Available to start June 21, 2027.
• Able to relocate to an Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence factory location for the approximately two-year program.
• Able to accept placement at a Nestlé USA factory or distribution center as an Electrical & Automation Engineer after program completion.
• Willingness to work any shift, which may include first, second, or third shift; weekends; holidays; and extended shifts such as 10- or 12-hour schedules, as required.
• Ability to work in ambient conditions that may be cold, wet, or warm.
• Strong communication and analytical skills and leadership potential.
• Team-oriented mindset, resilience, adaptability, and willingness to fail forward.
• Ability to connect complex systems and think end-to-end.
• Comfortable leading in a factory environment and handling ambiguous situations and challenging assignments.
• The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Electrical & Automation internship or co-op experience.
• Leadership experience through student organizations, athletics, or community activities.
• Manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated problem-solving experience.

Responsibilities

• Build foundational Electrical & Automation skills through hands-on work, structured training, and guided practice with experienced E&A leaders.
• Gather data, document findings, and assist senior engineers with quality, safety, and efficiency initiatives.
• Assist with daily operations and maintenance of electrical power, instrumentation, and control systems, including use of digital tools to improve reliability.
• Maintain accurate electrical and automation documentation and support change control processes.
• Support energy- and water-saving initiatives and help track results.
• Learn asset management fundamentals, including equipment condition, lifecycle, and capital planning support.
• Contribute to capital investment projects, including scoping, vendor support, commissioning, testing, and documentation.
• Gain practical exposure to industrial automation and controls, including PLCs/SCADA, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Learn how data supports predictive and automated decision-making.
• Support the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical, automation, MES, and digital systems.
• Troubleshoot control systems and support project execution.
• Assist with technical documentation, specifications, procurement, programming support, assembly, and commissioning.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and technicians.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational goals.
• Participate in immersive learning, cross-functional rotations, shadowing, and hands-on exposure to multiple business functions.
• Lead meaningful projects that deliver value.
• Develop technical and leadership skills through mentorship, networking, and scenario-based training.

Benefits

• Relocation package for eligible candidates.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, mental wellness programs, and financial health benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Mentorship and professional coaching from experienced leaders.
• On-the-job learning and leadership exposure.
• Opportunities to participate in community service events.
• Broad range of other benefits; benefit packages may vary depending on the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level