Controls and Automation Technician -8PM-6AM
pbvWinston Salem, NC
Controls and Automation Technician -8PM-6AM
pbvWinston Salem, NCJunior L3
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and TechniciansMechatronics EngineersRobotics Technicians
Soft Drink ManufacturingCommercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and MaintenanceBottled Water Manufacturing
APPLY NOWUnbottle 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.
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
Matching similar jobs
Level
Junior L3
Location
Winston Salem, NC
Occupation
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Industry
Soft Drink Manufacturing
Posted
yesterday