PepsiCo

Automation & Controls Leader

PepsiCo$93K — $156K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment
  • 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams preferred
  • Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, and control system architecture
  • Experience leading automation projects end to end
  • Ability to influence across multiple sites and functions
  • Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integration
  • Strong problem-solving skills in high availability environments
  • Indefinite U.S. work authorization
  • Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead automation and control systems as the primary in-plant authority
  • Ensure high performance and reliability of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, drives, and industrial networks
  • Align automation strategy with plant goals for safety, quality, productivity, and cost
  • Manage factory floor network design, performance, cybersecurity, and obsolescence planning
  • Oversee hardware and software lifecycle management, including upgrades and mitigation plans
  • Lead automation projects from conception to commissioning and operational handoff
  • Diagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issues
  • Lead root cause analysis to implement corrective actions for automation-related downtime
  • Deploy automation solutions that enhance reliability, efficiency, and safety
  • Provide technical leadership to sister plants and coach automation technicians

Benefits

  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility, targeting 12% of annual salary
  • Paid time off including parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and bereavement
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, health and dependent care reimbursement accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and various insurance options
  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
Full Job Description
The Automation & Controls Lead is the plant's technical authority for automation, controls, and factory floor network systems. This role ensures all control systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently while driving continuous improvement across the site. In addition to leading automation strategy for the home plant, the Automation & Controls Lead may support multiple facilities within a regional pod-partnering with technicians, engineering teams, and Technical Services Managers to elevate automation capability across sites.

Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Leadership:
  • Serve as the primary in plant leader for automation and control systems
  • Ensure high 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 and software lifecycle, including upgrades and mitigation plans

Project Leadership & Execution:
  • Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and operational handoff
  • Deliver projects on time, within scope, and aligned with technical standards
  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to ensure seamless execution

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement:
  • Diagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issues
  • Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation related downtime
  • Deploy automation solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safety
  • Maintain automation standards, documentation, and change management processes
  • Ensure compliance with internal standards, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations
  • Support audits and system validation activities

Multi Plant (Pod) Support:
  • Provide technical support and leadership to sister plants within the assigned pod
  • Coach and develop automation technicians across sites through capability building and knowledge sharing
  • Partner with Technical Services Managers to strengthen automation maturity across the region

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
  • 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 12% 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.


Qualifications

Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment
  • 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams is preferred
  • Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, and control system architecture
  • Experience leading automation projects end to end
  • Ability to influence across multiple sites and functions
  • Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integration
  • Strong problem-solving skills in high availability environments
  • Indefinite U.S. work authorization

Preferred:
  • Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo Careers

Joining PepsiCo's global team offers more than just a chance to excel in your career; it's an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and diverse environment where innovation thrives. Work You’ll Do At PepsiCo, we are committed to producing great leaders and fostering a culture of innovation. Our team is dedicated to empowering professionals to master their career paths with PepsiCo. As a leader in the food and beverage industry, we offer unique job opportunities that intersect with cutting-edge technology and market leadership. Lead with Unique Opportunities PepsiCo stands at the forefront of the industry, not only in terms of product quality but also in our approach to leadership and professional growth. We offer a variety of employment paths, including full-time positions, internships, and leadership training programs that are designed to foster diversity and accelerate career development. Work with a Global Team Collaborate with over 260,000 employees worldwide who are united in delivering joy not only to our consumers but also in driving innovation and growth within the company. PepsiCo’s commitment to global diversity and inclusive culture makes it a prime environment for professional development and networking. Introducing PepsiCo’s Professional Growth and Development Programs We are committed to nurturing talent through comprehensive training programs and robust benefits that support both personal and professional growth. Our programs are tailored to help employees at every level of their career to advance and succeed. Innovate and Lead Join the largest team of food and beverage industry experts—dedicated professionals at the intersection of consumer needs, innovative technology, and sustainable practices. Deliver targeted solutions and drive industry leadership through a depth and breadth of knowledge and innovation that’s second to none. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that impacts millions of lives worldwide. At PepsiCo, you’ll harness the power of our global resources and the creativity of our people to improve the way the world accesses the foods and beverages it loves. Future-Proof Your Career With PepsiCo, the sky is the limit when it comes to where your ambition can take you. We offer unmatched opportunities for career advancement along with the training, internship programs, and certification support needed to thrive in your professional journey. Explore Discover how PepsiCo is leading the way in digital innovation and sustainable practices while maintaining a steadfast focus on diversity and employee well-being. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to take their career to the next level. SEARCH PEPSICO JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at PepsiCo.
Learn more about PepsiCo
Size
309,000 employees
Market Cap
$250.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7.1 billion
Founded
1965
5 Year Trend
+4.8%
Revenue
$70.3 billion
NASDAQ

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