Lead Automation Controls Engineer

Keurig Dr Pepper; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper in Knoxville, TN seeks an experienced automation engineer to lead PLC and HMI projects, design and troubleshoot control systems, and optimize manufacturing processes.

You will collaborate with OEMs and maintenance teams, develop preventive maintenance plans, support capital projects from design to commissioning, and champion safety and food-safety compliance across the site.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial automation within manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance and TPM methodologies.
• Experience coordinating with OEMs, system integrators, and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of safety standards (OSHA, LOTO) and food safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as site SME for PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networks, motion control, robotics, drives, and automated equipment.
• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC and HMI applications while supporting equipment upgrades and system enhancements.
• Partner with OEMs, system integrators, and vendors to commission new equipment and improve existing automation systems.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex electrical, controls, instrumentation, and automation issues to minimize downtime.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend improvements that increase reliability, throughput, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance strategies, SOPs, and troubleshooting documentation.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC

ControlLogix

CompactLogix

FactoryTalk

HMIs

VFDs

Servo systems

Industrial networking

SCADA

Data historians

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Green Belt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Automation/Mechatronics

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC platforms

ControlLogix/CompactLogix

FactoryTalk

HMIs

VFDs and servo systems

SCADA

Industrial Ethernet networks

SQL databases

Job description

Keurig Dr Pepper in Knoxville, TN seeks an experienced automation engineer to lead PLC and HMI projects, design and troubleshoot control systems, and optimize manufacturing processes.

You will collaborate with OEMs and maintenance teams, develop preventive maintenance plans, support capital projects from design to commissioning, and champion safety and food-safety compliance across the site.