Automation Control Engineer

This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit

Location: Spartanburg 2 – 3220 Moore Duncan Hwy, Suite 100, Gate A, Moore, SC 29369

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional after-hours support as needed.

The Automation Controls Engineer II is responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and continuously improving a wide range of industrial automation and control systems. These systems range from relay logic and single-loop controllers to advanced PLC, HMI, SCADA, and networked automation platforms.

This role plays a critical part in connecting automation technology with coffee roasting, packaging, and distribution processes to improve safety, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and operational reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and optimize automation solutions that improve employee safety, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost performance.

• Support the commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and optimization of new and existing manufacturing equipment.

• Design, implement, and maintain industrial automation and control networks.

• Manage control system documentation, software revisions, and change control processes.

• Ensure system reliability and business continuity by following industry standards and engineering best practices.

• Develop the automation capabilities of maintenance and engineering teams by providing training and technical guidance to improve troubleshooting skills.

• Develop and support data acquisition and reporting systems that align with site and company objectives.

• Lead automation-focused capital and continuous improvement projects from planning through execution.

• Coordinate activities with engineering, maintenance, operations, vendors, and contractors to support automation initiatives.

• Partner with manufacturing leaders to improve automated systems and production processes.

• Collaborate with other Keurig Dr Pepper engineering teams on cross-functional initiatives.

• Develop and deliver training for maintenance and operations personnel.

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, ergonomic standards, and quality requirements.

• Prioritize work based on production needs and business objectives.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Success Profile

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.

• Confidence, integrity, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

• Mechanical aptitude with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across multiple departments.

• Ability to interpret technical documentation, follow work instructions, and calibrate instrumentation.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

• Flexibility to support changing production priorities while maintaining high performance.

• Targeted annual compensation range of $85,000–$105,000.
• This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. 

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• 5+ years of industrial automation experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Extensive PLC programming experience is required.

• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation systems, including:

  • FactoryTalk Suite

  • Logix Platform

  • Allen-Bradley industrial networks

• Working knowledge of OPC-UA architecture and industrial communication protocols.

• Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on electrical experience with industrial control panels and electrical circuits.

• Experience with robotic control systems, preferably FANUC.

• Working knowledge of SCADA systems.

• Experience with Beckhoff and Siemens automation platforms.

• Knowledge of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and servo systems, preferably Allen-Bradley and Rexroth.

• Experience with Visual Basic and database applications is a plus.

• Understanding of industrial networking and computer systems.

• Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours when required to support production.

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.