Automation Technical Specialist

Job Title:

Automation Technical Specialist

Job Location:

Vernon Hills, Illinois United States

At Tetra Pak we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere; and we protect what's good – protecting food, protecting people, and protecting the planet. By doing so we touch millions of people's lives every day.

And we need people like you to make it happen.

We empower you to reach your potential with opportunities to make an impact to be proud of – for food, people and the planet.

At Tetra Pak, we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere. Guided by our purpose,
Protects What’s Good
, we work with customers around the world to deliver solutions across food processing, packaging, and services while continuously advancing operational performance and sustainability.

We are looking for an Automation Technical Specialist to be the go-to technical specialist for automation demands across the Americas, combining deep technical knowledge with the ability to lead complex projects and drive innovation. This individual will support critical business demands while championing new automation strategies and technologies that enhance performance, reliability, and customer value.

We are seeking someone who is energized by challenges, remains effective under pressure, and takes ownership of delivering results. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, the successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to both internal stakeholders and customers, helping define and execute the next generation of automation solutions.

In addition to providing technical expertise, this person will play a key role in developing organizational capability by mentoring colleagues, supporting effective stakeholder engagement, and helping teams navigate complex technical and business challenges. The successful candidate will be able to translate sophisticated automation concepts into clear, actionable insights for audiences ranging from plant-floor teams to senior customer and business leaders.

This role is also expected to champion a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to simplify processes, evaluate emerging technologies, and drive innovation initiatives, including the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and business performance across the Americas region.

The Automation Technical Specialist will report to the Manager of Electrical and Automation Engineering.

You will be based in US, preferably in Vernon Hills, IL.

You may be required to travel to customer sites across the Americas up to 40% of your time.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented or minoritized groups, including women, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and others.

As an Automation Technical Specialist
, you will:

• Serve as the primary technical authority and trusted advisor for automation-related topics across the Americas, supporting both internal stakeholders and customers with expert guidance and recommendations;
• Lead large-scale, high-value, and technically complex automation projects throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring successful execution, risk mitigation, and delivery of reliable, high-quality solutions;
• Partner with internal teams and customers to develop and implement innovative and cost-effective automation solutions that align with business objectives and operational needs;
• Act as the go-to technical expert for automation demands across the region, providing mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing to help strengthen team capability and technical excellence;
• Drive effective communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders,…