Automation & Controls Lead — Multi-Plant Innovation

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH is seeking an Automation & Controls Technician to own the strategy, reliability, and continuous improvement of all control systems at the plant and across regional pods. You will set the direction for automation, lead major initiatives, and ensure safe, reliable operation across multiple facilities.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to deliver high-availability solutions, drive cybersecurity posture, and mentor technicians across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience leading automation/controls in manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks and control system architecture.
• Experience managing automation projects end-to-end.
• Ability to influence across multiple sites and functions.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT/IT integration.
• Leadership experience with technical teams.
• Valid U.S. work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary in-plant authority for automation and control systems.
• Ensure peak 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, cybersecurity posture, and obsolescence planning.
• Manage hardware/software lifecycle, upgrades, and mitigation plans.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and handoff.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to ensure seamless execution.
• Diagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issues.
• Multi-Plant (Pod) support: provide leadership and troubleshooting to sister plants and coach technicians.

Skills

Automation Leadership

PLC/SCADA/HMI

Industrial cybersecurity

OT/IT integration

Cross-site influence

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Job description

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH is seeking an Automation & Controls Technician to own the strategy, reliability, and continuous improvement of all control systems at the plant and across regional pods. You will set the direction for automation, lead major initiatives, and ensure safe, reliable operation across multiple facilities.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Operations to deliver high-availability solutions, drive cybersecurity posture, and mentor technicians across