Plant Engineering Leader

PepsiCo · Pennsauken · $88,200–$147,650 (stated in the posting)

Overview

This role is responsible for driving and executing process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize operational performance.

Dedicated plant engineering is essential to the automation strategy and project management for Pennsauken’s growth strategy, and this role directly supports that initiative.

This role plays a critical part in improving plant productivity, capacity, safety, and quality. The supervisor will lead a team and report directly to the Plant Manager, with a focus on optimizing production equipment, infrastructure, CO₂ refilling and distribution operations, and packaging processes for the U.S. market.

Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance- making decisions, providing consultation or executing actions

Promote and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
Identify, assess, and proactively mitigate safety risks
Ensure adherence to safety standards, including PPE, MSDS, and equipment operation guidelines
Support plant 5S/6S initiatives to maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety
Collaborate with QESH to address safety incidents, environmental risks, and compliance requirements
Ensure equipment, facilities, and layouts meet all applicable safety and regulatory standards

Operations & Continuous Improvement - making decisions, providing consultation or executing actions

Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies
Identify, analyze, and prioritize process improvement opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions
Develop, track, and report KPIs to measure operational performance and improvement impact
Drive productivity improvements and help achieve site performance goals
Establish standard work, including standard times and optimized production methods
Own and maintain plant layout optimization to improve flow and efficiency
Partner with global OPEX teams and HQ on key initiatives and best practices
Support new product introductions into manufacturing

Engineering & Technical Leadership - making decisions, providing consultation or executing actions

Provide hands-on technical support and lead engineering projects (e.g., equipment upgrades, automation, installations)
Troubleshoot production and process issues, implementing both short- and long-term solutions
Design and develop tools, equipment, and production enhancements
Support infrastructure and utilities implementation
Collaborate on automation and robotic solutions to improve production capabilities
Interpret and create technical drawings (CAD/SolidWorks) (preferred)
Lead FAT/SAT processes in collaboration with global teams
Manage external vendors and contractors for technical projects
Oversee spare parts strategy and support permitting processes as needed

Training & Culture- providing consultation or executing actions

Train and coach employees on continuous improvement tools and methodologies where designated subject matter expert
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the plant
Support training initiatives for new equipment and processes through employee trainind and written work instructions

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team (maintenance included)
Manage day-to-day KPI reporting and action item planning
Ensure proper documentation and training plans for team members as needed
Develop and execute strong management routine to ensure full ownership and accountability of engineering activities

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain cleanliness and organization across production areas
Provide regular updates on KPIs, project progress, and operational performance
Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives led by QESH
Travel internationally as required
Support broader plant and organizational needs as assigned

Compensation and Benefits:

The expected compensation range for this position is between $88,200 - $147,650.
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 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
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

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)

Experience

10+ years of experience in manufacturing or production environments
7+ years of experience in continuous improvement, OPEX, or similar roles
Experience in food or regulated production environments preferred
Proven track record of Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S/6S implementation
Experience leading projects and cross-functional initiatives

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Hands-on engineering and technical troubleshooting capabilities
Experience with CAD/SolidWorks and technical drawings
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Project management experience preferred
Strong communication and leadership skills
Controls and programming experience is a plus

Language

Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Spanish is a plus

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 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, 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 / Age

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.