Automation & Controls Technician

Automation & Controls TechnicianThe Automation & Controls Technician 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.Responsibilities include:Serve as the primary in-plant authority for automation and control systemsEnsure peak performance and reliability of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, drives, and industrial networksAlign automation strategy with plant goals for safety, quality, productivity, and costManage factory-floor network design, performance, cybersecurity posture, and obsolescence planningLead automation projects from concept through commissioning and handoffPartner with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to ensure seamless executionDiagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issuesImplement solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safetyMaintain automation standards, documentation, and change-management processesProvide technical leadership and troubleshooting support to sister plants within the podCoach and develop automation technicians across sitesPartner with Technical Services Managers to elevate automation capability and standardizationCompensation 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.Qualifications required:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)Proven experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environmentStrong expertise in PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, and control system architectureExperience managing automation projects end-to-endAbility to influence across multiple sites and functionsKnowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integrationLeadership experience with technical teamsStrong problem-solving skills in high-availability environmentsValid U.S. work authorizationPreferred experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.EEO Statement: 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.