Unbottle YOUR Potential at Pepsi Bottling Ventures!
At Pepsi, we spread home-grown joy, in our special Pepsi Bottling Ventures way! Pepsi Bottling Ventures is the nation’s largest private bottler and distributor of Pepsi beverages. Pepsi Bottling Ventures is based in NC, SC, MD, & DE.
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Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Controls & Automation Technician is responsible for supporting the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems within a high-speed beverage production environment.
This position serves as the plant's technical resource for industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), industrial networks, sensors, robotics interfaces, and automated packaging equipment. The technician works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and external support partners to troubleshoot equipment issues, reduce downtime, improve system reliability, and support plant modernization initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and possesses strong electrical, controls, and automation troubleshooting skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
Automation System Support
- Troubleshoot and resolve controls-related production issues.
- Diagnose PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, motion control, and communication network failures.
- Support equipment recovery during production-impacting downtime events.
- Assist maintenance teams in identifying root causes of recurring equipment failures.
- Collaborate with OEMs, system integrators, and controls support partners when additional expertise is required.
PLC and HMI Support
- Monitor and maintain PLC and HMI systems across manufacturing and packaging operations.
- Perform program backups and version control activities.
- Support modifications to existing automation systems under established change management processes.
- Assist with startup, commissioning, and verification of equipment changes.
- Maintain controls documentation including electrical drawings, network diagrams, and program backups.
Industrial Networking
- Troubleshoot industrial communication systems and plant automation networks.
- Support Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, managed switches, remote I/O, and machine communications.
- Work with IT/OT personnel to maintain secure and reliable network connectivity.
- Assist with industrial cybersecurity initiatives and access control requirements.
Reliability and Continuous Improvement
- Participate in root cause analysis investigations.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
- Support preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
- Recommend controls and automation improvements that reduce downtime and operational risk.
- Assist with equipment modernization and capital project implementation.
Training and Knowledge Transfer
- Share automation knowledge with maintenance technicians and operators.
- Develop troubleshooting guides and technical documentation.
- Support cross-training initiatives within manufacturing and maintenance teams.
- Participate in technical skills development programs and ongoing automation training.
Required Qualifications
Education
One of the following:
- Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Electronics Technology, or related field
- Military technical training in electronics, controls, or automation
- Equivalent combination of education and industrial automation experience
Experience
- 3+ years of industrial automation, controls, or maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience troubleshooting automated production equipment.
- Experience reading electrical schematics and technical documentation.
- Experience supporting PLC-controlled systems and automation equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Beverage, food, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, or high-speed manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations.
- Experience with system startups and commissioning activities.
- Experience working with system integrators, OEMs, and controls vendors.
- Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
Technical Competencies
Automation Platforms
Experience with one or more of:
- Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
- Siemens
- Schneider Electric
- Beckhoff
- Other industrial automation platforms
Automation Technologies
Working knowledge of:
- PLC systems
- HMI and SCADA systems
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Servo and motion control
- Industrial safety systems
- Process instrumentation
- Barcode and vision systems
- Robotic and automated equipment interfaces
Industrial Communication Networks
Knowledge of:
- Ethernet/IP
- PROFINET
- Industrial Ethernet
- Device communications and troubleshooting
- Managed industrial switches
Leadership Expectations
The Controls & Automation Technician is expected to:
- Demonstrate strong ownership of equipment performance.
- Maintain a safety-first mindset.
- Communicate effectively with operators, mechanics, electricians, engineers, and leadership.
- Remain calm and effective during high-pressure downtime situations.
- Influence continuous improvement through technical expertise and problem solving.
- Serve as a technical mentor for developing maintenance personnel.
Success Measures
Performance will be evaluated based on:
- Equipment uptime and reliability improvements
- Downtime reduction
- Mean time to repair (MTTR)
- Automation-related PM completion
- Controls documentation accuracy
- Backup and disaster recovery compliance
- Safety performance
- Training and knowledge-transfer contributions
- Capital project support and execution
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and work around production equipment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to respond to equipment issues during off-shifts, weekends, and holidays when required.
- Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and noisy production environments.
PBV Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal PBV Controls & Automation Technician is:
- A strong troubleshooter before a programmer.
- Comfortable supporting both legacy and modern automation systems.
- Capable of partnering with operations, maintenance, and engineering.
- Curious and committed to continuous learning.
- Able to independently diagnose complex equipment issues.
- Passionate about reliability, safety, and manufacturing excellence.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS
Mental Functions
Diversified and complex job requiring continuous and sustained mental effort and alertness or very close work requiring constant visual attention.
Physical Functions
Frequently (34% – 66%) required to sit, lift, and stand. Occasionally (0%-33%) required to walk.
EQUIPMENT USED
Computer/keyboard and other general office equipment.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None required.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Must be able to speak, read, and write English proficiently.
Unfortunately, we will be unable to offer visa sponsorships to candidates.
EOE M/F/D/V
Pepsi Bottling Ventures is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. All employment decisions are based on valid job-related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by calling 1-800-662-8792 or via e-mail at rmssupport@pbvllc.com
