Automation & Controls Leader

PepsiCo•Twinsburg, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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, and obsolescence planning
Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including mitigation and upgrade plans
Maintain automation standards, documentation, and change‑management processes
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
Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues
Lead root‑cause analysis and implement corrective actions
Deploy automation solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safety
Ensure compliance with internal standards, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations
Support audits, system validation, and documentation requirements
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