OverviewPosition Overview - Automation & Controls Leader
The Automation & Controls Leader is the plant's go-to expert for automation, controls, and factory-floor network systems. This role owns the strategy, reliability, and continuous improvement of all control systems-ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with plant and business goals.
Beyond the home site, this leader may support a regional pod of plants, providing technical guidance, coaching technicians, and influencing automation strategy across multiple facilities. It's a high-impact role for a technical leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, operations, and innovation.
ResponsibilitiesAutomation & Controls Leadership
- Serve as the primary in-plant authority for automation and control systems
- Ensure peak performance and reliability of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, drives, and industrial networks
- Align automation strategy with plant goals for safety, quality, productivity, and cost
- Own factory-floor network design, performance, cybersecurity posture, and obsolescence planning
- Manage hardware/software lifecycle, upgrades, and mitigation plans
- Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and handoff
- Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to ensure seamless execution
- Diagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issues
- Implement solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safety
- Maintain automation standards, documentation, and change-management processes
Multi-Plant (Pod) Support
- Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support to sister plants within the pod
- Coach and develop automation technicians across sites
- Partner with Technical Services Managers to elevate automation capability and standardization
Compensation and Benefits:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $80,200 - $134,250.
- Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
- Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 10% of annual salary paid out annually.
- Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment
- Strong expertise in PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, and control system architecture
- Experience managing automation projects end-to-end
- Ability to influence across multiple sites and functions
- Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integration
- Leadership experience with technical teams
- Strong problem-solving skills in high-availability environments
- Valid U.S. work authorization
Preferred
- Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
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