R&D Engineer Controls Specialist

PepsiCo; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food manufacturing sector, located in Plano, TX, seeks a Controls and Electrical Systems Maintenance Associate. This position focuses on enhancing automation processes, maintaining critical equipment such as PLCs and SCADA systems, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will possess strong troubleshooting skills, an associate degree in a related field, and experience within food manufacturing technology. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for career development within a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 2+ years in Food Manufacturing Technology and Processes.
• 3+ years in Project Management with industrial controls.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical circuit troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Support maintenance of PLC, SCADA applications, and Plant networking.
• Lead Food safety programs and audits.
• Provide technical training to maintenance technicians.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Negotiation

Education

Associate Degree in Networking/System Security

Tools

SQL

VMware

RSlogix

Wonderware

Job description

Overview

The PepsiCo Foods GPC PLANO R&D is a fast-paced Pilot Plant/Testing Facility focused on innovation and new product development. The primary focus for this role is responsible for the Plano GPC Controls/Electrical system maintenance improving PepsiCo’s processes automation and advanced control mechanisms including PLC, OT,AI and existing technologies. Associate in this role will be part of a larger team in GPC Plano that will be responsible for site controls upkeep and day to day Controls maintenance. This role will be based in Plano, TX.

Associates in this role will be expected to have strong communication/collaboration skills as they will be working with cross-functional partners on the data analytics, and IT teams as well as external vendors to execute our holistic agenda. Experience working with industrial processes will be critical.

Responsibilities

Equipment:

• Will be responsible for front line support of our PLC, SCADA applications and Plant networking maintenance, and System Security (fire wall ).
• In addition to Advanced Knowledge of Controls and networking, electrical skills, instrumentation and Mechanical Knowledge is required.
• The following are essential to ensure that equipment is available as required for site operations:
  • Fault finding on PLC’s and PC based SCADA applications.
  • Competent to carry out diagnostic testing and repair of All controls related issues.
  • Modifications, tests and minor installation work.
  • Programming of Allen-Bradley VFDs ( Powerflex and 525 series ).
  • Programming and Maintenance of Servo systems.
  • Programming and Maintenance of Vision systems (OPTYX and Odenberg).
• Program factory floor devices and applications (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems).
• Support project planning with hardware, software, and integration strategies for OT floor operations and validations.
• Operating Technology systems security.
• Interface as Ops controls specialist for IoT edge devices and Machine AI applications for the factory floor.
• Develop solutions to enhance process data analytics and data management.
• Develop best practices for new technology deployments in an industrial environment.
• Partner with EHS as a subject matter expert for new equipment Controls assessments and risk mitigation.
• Change Management support on new equipment that gets commissioned at Pilot Plant.
• Vendor/Project Management/Capex Planning and implementation ensuring Pepsico Specs are Maintained.
• Research and Purchase Critical /Spares as needed (Online and from Vendors direct ).
• Negotiate with Vendors for Project that are identified for Plant Upgrade and issue project purchase orders to these vendors..
• Build SLA’s with 3rd party vendors.
• Lead IT and Controls Projects to commissioning phase and Provide Commissioning support for product development teams as needed.
• Provide technical training and mentoring to L4 and L3 Maintenance Techs.
• Support site food safety programs and audits. Lead Food safety and Food Defense programs for the Plant to assist Plant Management maintain FSC22K Certification.
• Support R&D development including testing and retail production for test markets.
• Support Multiple GPC sites and be flexible to travel as needed.

Site Infra and Facility Support:

• Maintain Plant WiFi Network (both 192 and 26 networks ).
• Maintain Site security Cameras ensuring we meet all Program / policy related compliance .
• Support all Servers on site including.
• SQL Server.
• VM Ware.
• Security and Site Access Servers.

Food Safety and EHS Support:

• Will be Responsible for leading Multiple site Food safety/Food Defense Programs needed for maintaining our goals.( AIB and FSC22K ), ensure all Food Safety Work Orders are completed in required time, maintain PM program records (related to site security, Site Access ) as required by sit Policy.
• Lead / Participate in Food Safety and Food Defense audits and inspections as mandated by the Programs.
• Complete all related Training and Certifications as required by the Policy.
• Work closely with EHS team to ensure site safety (Cameras, Access Control).

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $55,800 - $87,000.
• 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.
• 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

• Associate Degree in Networking /System Security or related subject is preferred
• 2+ Years in Food Manufacturing Technology and Processes preferred.
• 3+ Years in Project Management/Management with industrial controls System.
• 2~5+ Years of Experience working and Managing and Plant Network Management.
• Excellent Computing Skills necessary for Communications using Outlook, IM, MS Teams.
• Proficiency in Multiple Computing Apps and tools.(SQL, Historian, VMware, RSlogix, IntraVue, Realware etc.).
• Advanced Knowledge of low /high voltage circuit troubleshooting.
• Advanced Knowledge of industrial 3ph motors.
• Ability to ready Electrical ,Controls and Mechanical Prints for troubleshooting and designing purposes.
• Should be able to program VFDs including all Allen-Bradley Series 4, 7, 525s and 527s.
• Advanced Knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC Program, Ladder Logic and Block Daigram.
• Excellent Troubleshooting Skills/experience on Allen-Bradley PLCs ,VFDs.
• Excellent Knowledge of Wonder Ware /Intouch app.
• Basic Troubleshooting Experience on Plant IT Network.
• Intermediate knowledge of Building Automation troubleshooting
• Team player, flexible and ability work with limited supervision, self starter, written and verbal communication skills, able to support multiple locations as needed.
• Mechanical/electrical skills for troubleshooting and parts fabrication as required.
• Knowledge of GRT for parts and Purchase Ordering.
• Owns the planning, organizing and upkeep of preventative maintenance schedule to maximize performance of all plant and ensure a safe working environment for all tasks carried out.
• Knowledge of the SCADA system preferred.
• Strong team Player with good communication /coaching skills.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the availableEEO is the Law&EEO is the Law Supplementdocuments. ViewPepsiCo EEO Policy.

Please view ourPay Transparency Statement

• Associate Degree in Networking /System Security or related subject is preferred
• 2+ Years in Food Manufacturing Technology and Processes preferred.
• 3+ Years in Project Management/Management with industrial controls System.
• 2~5+ Years of Experience working and Managing and Plant Network Management.
• Excellent Computing Skills necessary for Communications using Outlook, IM, MS Teams.
• Proficiency in Multiple Computing Apps and tools.(SQL, Historian, VMware, RSlogix, IntraVue, Realware etc.).
• Advanced Knowledge of low /high voltage circuit troubleshooting.
• Advanced Knowledge of industrial 3ph motors.
• Ability to ready Electrical ,Controls and Mechanical Prints for troubleshooting and designing purposes.
• Should be able to program VFDs including all Allen-Bradley Series 4, 7, 525s and 527s.
• Advanced Knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC Program, Ladder Logic and Block Daigram.
• Excellent Troubleshooting Skills/experience on Allen-Bradley PLCs ,VFDs.
• Excellent Knowledge of Wonder Ware /Intouch app.
• Basic Troubleshooting Experience on Plant IT Network.
• Intermediate knowledge of Building Automation troubleshooting
• Team player, flexible and ability work with limited supervision, self starter, written and verbal communication skills, able to support multiple locations as needed.
• Mechanical/electrical skills for troubleshooting and parts fabrication as required.
• Knowledge of GRT for parts and Purchase Ordering.
• Owns the planning, organizing and upkeep of preventative maintenance schedule to maximize performance of all plant and ensure a safe working environment for all tasks carried out.
• Knowledge of the SCADA system preferred.
• Strong team Player with good communication /coaching skills.

Equipment:

• Will be responsible for front line support of our PLC, SCADA applications and Plant networking maintenance, and System Security (fire wall ).
• In addition to Advanced Knowledge of Controls and networking, electrical skills, instrumentation and Mechanical Knowledge is required.
• The following are essential to ensure that equipment is available as required for site operations:
  • Fault finding on PLC’s and PC based SCADA applications.
  • Competent to carry out diagnostic testing and repair of All controls related issues.
  • Modifications, tests and minor installation work.
  • Programming of Allen-Bradley VFDs ( Powerflex and 525 series ).
  • Programming and Maintenance of Servo systems.
  • Programming and Maintenance of Vision systems (OPTYX and Odenberg).
• Program factory floor devices and applications (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems).
• Support project planning with hardware, software, and integration strategies for OT floor operations and validations.
• Operating Technology systems security.
• Interface as Ops controls specialist for IoT edge devices and Machine AI applications for the factory floor.
• Develop solutions to enhance process data analytics and data management.
• Develop best practices for new technology deployments in an industrial environment.
• Partner with EHS as a subject matter expert for new equipment Controls assessments and risk mitigation.
• Change Management support on new equipment that gets commissioned at Pilot Plant.
• Vendor/Project Management/Capex Planning and implementation ensuring Pepsico Specs are Maintained.
• Research and Purchase Critical /Spares as needed (Online and from Vendors direct ).
• Negotiate with Vendors for Project that are identified for Plant Upgrade and issue project purchase orders to these vendors..
• Build SLA’s with 3rd party vendors.
• Lead IT and Controls Projects to commissioning phase and Provide Commissioning support for product development teams as needed.
• Provide technical training and mentoring to L4 and L3 Maintenance Techs.
• Support site food safety programs and audits. Lead Food safety and Food Defense programs for the Plant to assist Plant Management maintain FSC22K Certification.
• Support R&D development including testing and retail production for test markets.
• Support Multiple GPC sites and be flexible to travel as needed.

Site Infra and Facility Support:

• Maintain Plant WiFi Network (both 192 and 26 networks ).
• Maintain Site security Cameras ensuring we meet all Program / policy related compliance .
• Support all Servers on site including.
• SQL Server.
• VM Ware.
• Security and Site Access Servers.

Food Safety and EHS Support:

• Will be Responsible for leading Multiple site Food safety/Food Defense Programs needed for maintaining our goals.( AIB and FSC22K ), ensure all Food Safety Work Orders are completed in required time, maintain PM program records (related to site security, Site Access ) as required by sit Policy.
• Lead / Participate in Food Safety and Food Defense audits and inspections as mandated by the Programs.
• Complete all related Training and Certifications as required by the Policy.
• Work closely with EHS team to ensure site safety (Cameras, Access Control).

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $55,800 - $87,000.
• 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.
• 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.