Automation & Controls Technician

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

Overview

We are PepsiCo Supply Chain. We are the game changers, innovators, collaborators and history makers. The ground breakers of the Supply Chain & Logistics space.

We are a diverse group, spread across 200 countries and territories, and united by a shared set of values and goals. You know our name through our amazing portfolio, including Pepsi, Frito‑Lay, Quaker and Gatorade.

We perform with a purpose. We dream globally and act locally, constantly innovating to sustain our planet, our people, our communities and our business practices. Together, we raise the bar in lean manufacturing practices. We put forth new standards and stretch to reach beyond the goals we set.

We are a think tank, bringing our ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety… all while meeting the demands of our customers and consumers to deliver the best products. At PepsiCo, we are committed to performing well as individuals and in teams, and to strengthen the company as a whole.

Are you hungry to be a part of the world’s largest portfolio of billion‑dollar food and beverage brands? Then now is the time to explore the Possibilities of PepsiCo.

Responsibilities

The Automation & Controls Technician is the plant’s go‑to expert for automation, controls, and factory‑floor network systems. This role owns the strategy, reliability, and continuous improvement of all control systems—ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with plant and business goals.

Beyond the home site, this leader may support a regional pod of plants, providing technical guidance, coaching technicians, and influencing automation strategy across multiple facilities. It’s a high‑impact role for a technical leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, operations, and innovation

• 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, performance, 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 technical leadership and troubleshooting support to sister plants within the pod
  • Coach and develop automation technicians across sites
  • Partner with Technical Services Managers to elevate automation capability and standardization

  Compensation and Benefits

  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $80,200 - $134,250.
  • 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

  Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Proven experience leading automation/controls in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong expertise in PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, and control system architectureExperience 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
  • Strong problem‑solving skills in high‑availability environments
  • Valid U.S. work authorization

  Preferred

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

  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