Automation & Controls Leader

PepsiCo; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 93,500 - 156,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus (12% target)

Paid time off & parental leave

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

PepsiCo is seeking an Automation & Controls Lead at the Orlando home plant to act as the technical authority for automation, controls, and factory floor networks. This role drives safety, reliability, and continuous improvement while guiding automation strategy across sites in the regional pod.

You will collaborate with technicians, engineering teams, IT/OT and operations to elevate automation maturity, lead projects end-to-end, and ensure compliance with standards and safety requirements across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams.
• 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.

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.

Skills

PLCs & SCADA expertise

Automation leadership

Troubleshooting in high-availability

OT/IT integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering

Tools

Industrial networks

Cybersecurity knowledge

Job description

Job Overview

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.

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

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 12% 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

Required:

• 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
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience with technical teams is preferred
• 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

Preferred:

• Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

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