Associate Principal Engineer - Automation Packaging Engineering

PepsiCo Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 94,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

PepsiCo's Quaker Supply Chain & Transformation Engineering is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead packaging projects, develop multi-year equipment strategies, and standardize manufacturing capabilities across four facilities. The role coordinates with headquarters, field stakeholders, and external partners to drive continuous improvement and successful project execution.

The position emphasizes engineering rigor, cross-functional leadership, and the deployment of optimized packaging solutions

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering/Science in a relevant field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Adequately manage, communicate and mitigate project risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead scope development, design recommendations, and vendor selection for Quaker packaging projects.
• Lead continuous improvement and lessons-learned practices.
• Support project execution for new capacity lines and productivity projects at 4 Quaker facilities and contract manufacturers.
• Develop, manage, and execute equipment installation and start-up plans while supervising outside contractors.
• Support multi-year equipment strategy development and commercialization for the Quaker fleet across 4 facilities.
• Lead cross-functional teams including Headquarters, Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Vendors, Systems Integrators and Contractors.

Skills

Scope development

Drawing review

Design review leadership

Vendor bid evaluation

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

BS in Engineering/Science

Job description

Overview

The Quaker Supply Chain & Transformation Engineering – Automation Engineer is accountable for executing projects aimed at transforming Quaker packaging operations. This role will also assist in development of the multi-year equipment and capital strategy, development & standardization of manufacturing capabilities, leading continuous improvement efforts. This role leads cross-functional collaboration of internal and external partners, as well as headquarters and field stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead scope development, design recommendations, and vendor selection for Quaker packaging projects.
• Lead continuous improvement and lessons-learned practices.
• Support project execution for new capacity production lines and productivity projects at 4 Quaker facilities and occasionally contract manufacturers.
• Develop, manage, and execute equipment installation and start-up plans while supervising outside contractors and vendors.
• Support development and execution of the multi-year equipment strategy and commercialization for the Quaker fleet across 4 facilities.
• Support and lead cross-functional teams consisting of Headquarters, Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Equipment Vendors, Systems Integrators, External Engineering and Construction Contractors.
• Apply Engineering principles to problem solving and managing unexpected changes.
• Partner with OEMs to continuously improve equipment offerings, upgrades, training, and maintenance initiatives.
• Supports and encourages knowledge development of peers and partners.
• Develop into a subject matter expert (SME) for Quaker’s packaging equipment.

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.

Qualifications

• Adequately manage, communicate and mitigate project risks.
• BS in Engineering/Science in a relevant field (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering).
• 7+ years of relevant experience

Technical Leadership Skills

• Scope development
• Drawing review and approval
• Design review leadership
• Development of selection criteria and option evaluation
• Start-Up, Commissioning, & Post-Commission support of equipment and processes
• Vendor bid evaluation
• Strong technical curiosity with a desire to continuously learn.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing plant operations.
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and competing priorities
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate well to project stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners
• Manufacturing & equipment development experience is preferred
• Ability to travel up to 40%

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

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.