Automation & Controls Lead

Overview Organizational Overview:
Pepsi Co is home to some of the world's most iconic brands-Pepsi, Frito‑Lay, Gatorade, Quaker-and powered by one of the most advanced supply chains on the planet. We innovate, we collaborate, and we continuously raise the bar in safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. If you're energized by solving complex problems and shaping the future of manufacturing, this is where you belong

Position Overview - Automation & Controls Leader The Automation & Controls Leader 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. Responsibilities Automation & Controls Leadership 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 Implement solutions that improve reliability, efficiency, and safety Maintain automation standards, documentation, and change‑management processes 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, Pepsi Co 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 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 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 , commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance;

and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal…