Automation Technical Specialist

Tetra Pak•Vernon Hills, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Tetra Pak, we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere. Guided by our purpose, Protects What’s Good, we work with customers around the world to deliver solutions across food processing, packaging, and services while continuously advancing operational performance and sustainability. We are looking for an Automation Technical Specialist to be the go-to technical specialist for automation demands across the Americas, combining deep technical knowledge with the ability to lead complex projects and drive innovation. This individual will support critical business demands while championing new automation strategies and technologies that enhance performance, reliability, and customer value. We are seeking someone who is energized by challenges, remains effective under pressure, and takes ownership of delivering results. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, the successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to both internal stakeholders and customers, helping define and execute the next generation of automation solutions. In addition to providing technical expertise, this person will play a key role in developing organizational capability by mentoring colleagues, supporting effective stakeholder engagement, and helping teams navigate complex technical and business challenges. The successful candidate will be able to translate sophisticated automation concepts into clear, actionable insights for audiences ranging from plant-floor teams to senior customer and business leaders. This role is also expected to champion a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to simplify processes, evaluate emerging technologies, and drive innovation initiatives, including the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and business performance across the Americas region. The Automation Technical Specialist will report to the Manager of Electrical and Automation Engineering. You will be based in US, preferably in Vernon Hills, IL. You may be required to travel to customer sites across the Americas up to 40% of your time. We strongly encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented or minoritized groups, including women, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and others.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
Solid experience deploying automation systems within processing and packaging environments, including support of large-scale and technically complex automation projects
Strong knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), including Rockwell and Siemens platforms, as well as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems such as Rockwell, Siemens, and Ignition, including programming and commissioning activities
Project management skills and the ability to coordinate priorities across multiple stakeholders and initiatives
Strong knowledge of Root Cause Analysis, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), virtualization, industrial networks, high-level programming languages such as Python, data analytics, and cybersecurity concepts
Working knowledge of ISA-88 and ISA-95 standards
Solid design and troubleshooting capabilities for electrical systems (up to 600 VAC) and pneumatic systems
Strong technical expertise combined with the ability to influence, mentor, and support others through collaboration and leadership
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and effectively engage with customers, technical teams, operational stakeholders, and senior business leaders
A continuous improvement mindset, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, optimizing processes, and evaluating emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions
Professional proficiency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical authority and trusted advisor for automation-related topics across the Americas, supporting both internal stakeholders and customers with expert guidance and recommendations
Lead large-scale, high-value, and technically complex automation projects throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring successful execution, risk mitigation, and delivery of reliable, high-quality solutions
Partner with internal teams and customers to develop and implement innovative and cost-effective automation solutions that align with business objectives and operational needs
Act as the go-to technical expert for automation demands across the region, providing mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing to help strengthen team capability and technical excellence
Drive effective communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating complex automation concepts into clear, actionable insights for audiences ranging from plant-floor personnel to senior business leaders
Lead the evaluation, testing, and adoption of emerging technologies, driving innovation, standardization, and operational improvements across the Americas
Champion continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to optimize processes, simplify ways of working, and increase efficiency through new technologies and automation strategies
Explore, pilot, and support the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other innovative solutions that create business value and enhance organizational performance
Proactively identify technical, operational, and process gaps across customer and internal environments, driving sustainable solutions that improve performance, reliability, and efficiency
Lead and contribute to design reviews, safety risk assessments, and technical governance activities to ensure compliance, robustness, and operational excellence
Develop and deliver automation training and knowledge-sharing initiatives for internal and external stakeholders