Automation & Controls Leader

PepsiCo • Pine Castle, FL

1d • $93,500 - $156,450 • 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 facilities 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 experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams is preferred
• Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing

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 posture, and obsolescence planning
• Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including upgrades and mitigation plans
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior