Key Skills
Job Description
Overview
At PepsiCo, we’re more than just iconic brands — we’re a team of 2,000+ passionate people across 11 countries, working together to deliver great-tasting products that consumers enjoy every day.
With over 70 years in the region, we operate from 7 key locations — including 4 headquarters and 4 production sites — and offer a portfolio of 16 brands, from global icons like Pepsi and Lay’s to local favorites like Duyvis and Schwip Schwap. We’re committed to sustainability, innovation, and community impact. If you’re looking to grow your career with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
The purpose of the role is to ensure the reliability, performance and continuous improvement of industrial automation systems within the Zaandam manufacturing site. The Automation Engineer supports production and maintenance teams by resolving automation-related issues, implementing system improvements and ensuring the integrity of process control systems.The Automation Engineer ensures correct implementation of new installations or any changes to existing installations. He is accountable for the whole automation part for Zaandam including PLC, HMI and scada systems.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the reliability, performance and continuous improvement of automation systems across the Zaandam manufacturing site.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to PLC, SCADA and HMI systems to minimize downtime.
- Lead root cause analyses and implement sustainable solutions to improve equipment reliability.
- Develop, maintain and optimize automation software and process control systems.
- Support the installation, upgrade and commissioning of automation equipment and technologies.
- Collaborate with Production, Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve operational efficiency.
- Train and support maintenance technicians in automation troubleshooting and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental and cybersecurity standards.
Qualifications
- 2-5 years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing or process control environments.
- Hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, DCS and/or MES systems.
- Experience with Siemens S7 and/or Allen-Bradley control platforms.
- Knowledge of industrial communication networks such as Ethernet, Profibus and AS-i.
- Experience working with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical qualification in Automation, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- Fluent in Dutch and English.
What will make you successful
- Proactive and results-oriented mindset.
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and influence stakeholders.
- Passion for continuous improvement and solving technical challenges.
Core Responsibilities
Ensure the reliability and continuous improvement of automation and process control systems at the Zaandam manufacturing site, troubleshooting issues and implementing sustainable solutions to minimize downtime. Support installations, upgrades, and commissioning; collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams; train technicians; and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and cybersecurity standards.
Requirements
Requires 2–5 years of experience in industrial automation, manufacturing, or process control, with hands-on experience in PLC, SCADA, DCS, and/or MES systems and Siemens S7 and/or Allen-Bradley platforms. Candidates need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical qualification in automation, electrical engineering, or a related field, knowledge of industrial communication networks and lean methods, strong analytical and communication skills, and fluency in Dutch and English.
About PepsiCo
Industry: Food and Beverage Services
Company size: 10,001+ employees
PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. From executives to team members on the front lines, we’re excited about the future. We take chances. Together, we dare to make the world a better place. Our associates are the magic ingredient. Each of them plays an integral role in helping create deep connections between people and our products. Think about your last group celebration: Chances are, one of our iconic brands was by your side. At PepsiCo, you’re invited to be a part of a global team of innovators who make, move, and sell these products—which are enjoyed by more than 1 billion people a day. A career at PepsiCo means working in a culture where everyone’s welcome. Here, you can dare to be yourself. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you can influence the people around you and the world at large. By showing up, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, develop and grow your skills for the future. Our supportive teams can fuel your professional goals to make a global impact on people and the planet. Join us. Dare for Better.