Controls and Automation Leader - Dallas, TX

About the Role

The Controls and Automation Leader provides leadership and project support to the plant’s Engineering and Maintenance team. This position is responsible for designing, programming, repairing, and maintaining programmable logic controller (PLC) systems used within PepsiCo facilities. It also supports productivity and operating performance improvements in critical areas such as health and safety, quality, production, cost, service, employee engagement, and leadership objectives using continuous improvement methodologies. This role serves as the key resource expert in the Dallas Gatorade facility and leads a team of Controls and Automation specialists.

Responsibilities

• Develop yourself and your team to solve day-to-day operational issues and achieve short-term and long-term performance and career goals.
• Lead, manage, coach, and train others (salaried and hourly) on automation, electrical, and controls equipment.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions on PLC and electrical systems and make necessary repairs or adjustments.
• Perform preventative maintenance duties per manufacturer's specifications.
• Support maintenance, repair, and improvement of thermal processing equipment, including heat exchangers, heat recovery systems, and CIP systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and repair PLC systems, automation devices, controls components, and electrical equipment.
• Escalate major projects related to resource conservation to the L08 C&A Sr Leader.
• Consult on engineering capital projects, including electrical and controls aspects.
• Perform breakdown analysis and oversee general housekeeping.
• Direct activities of outside contractors working on assigned lines.
• Enforce GMP, safety, and audit standards.
• Mentor and support less experienced technicians.
• Work independently under limited supervision.
• Document work schedule and completed tasks.

Qualifications

• High School/GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Degree preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field – technical background preferred.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience in a consumer products manufacturing operation preferred.
• 2+ years of experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Electrical Infrastructure (starters, fuses, contacts, relays, installation, frequency drives, troubleshooting, level probes, flow meters, drives/VFDs, etc.).
• Experience with product manuals and schematics (electrical blueprints with switches, starters, maps, relays).
• Experience with troubleshooting (diagnostics, problem-solving, etc.).

Helpful Experience

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Instrumentation
• Servomechanism Control Systems Design
• Microsoft Office
• People Leadership
• Troubleshooting / Debugging

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is between $66,900 - $111,950. Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting the actual starting salary.

Benefits

• Bonus based on performance and eligibility (target payout is 8% of annual salary paid annually)
• Paid time off, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement
• Comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life)
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

Location: Dallas, Texas