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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 plants within a regional pod—partnering with technicians, engineering teams, and Technical Services Managers to elevate automation capability across sites.

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

Factory Floor Network & System Ownership

• Own factory‑floor network design, performance, cybersecurity, and obsolescence planning
• Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including mitigation and upgrade plans
• Maintain automation standards, documentation, and change‑management processes

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and handoff
• Deliver projects on time, within scope, and aligned with technical standards
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations for seamless execution

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues
• Lead root‑cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Deploy automation solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safety

Compliance & Validation

• Ensure compliance with internal standards, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations
• Support audits, system validation, and documentation requirements

Multi‑Plant (Pod) Support

• Provide technical support and leadership to sister plants within the regional pod
• Coach and develop automation technicians across sites through knowledge sharing and capability building

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 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.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of proven automation/controls leadership experience in manufacturing
• 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
• Must have indefinite U.S. work authorization

Preferred

• Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
• Leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams

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

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