Automation & Controls Leader

Overview

We are the game changers, innovators, collaborators, who “Dare To Level Up” the Status Quo. We are the ground breakers of the Supply Chain & Logistics space.  We spread across 200 countries and territories and are united by a shared set of values and goals. You know our name through our amazing portfolio, including Pepsi, FritoLay, Quaker, and Gatorade.  We WIN with a purpose. We dream globally and act locally, constantly innovating to sustain our planet, our people, our communities, and our business practices. Together, we raise the bar in lean manufacturing practices. We put forth new standards and stretch to reach beyond the goals we set. We are a think tank, bringing our ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety…all while meeting the demands of our customers and consumers to deliver the best products.  At PepsiCo, we are committed to performing as individuals and in teams to strengthen the company. Are you hungry to be a part of the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands?  Now is the time to explore the opportunities of PepsiCo: What makes you unique makes 

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

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

 

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age

 

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

 

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement