Sr Automation Controls Engineer
Keurig Dr Pepper · Ottumwa, IA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $97k–$120k
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at Keurig Dr Pepper (food & beverage) in Ottumwa, IA. Utilizes ‘off the shelf’ and custom solutions to solve and improve manufacturing equipment.
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- PLC, Robotics, Automation
- Base pay
- $97k–$120k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $98k–$141k. This one lists $97k–$120k.
Median of the low and high ends of 313 live postings that list pay, out of 902 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Iowa plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 8 other live controls postings in Iowa.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 56%
- ✓ PLC 56%
- Tooling 56%
- ✓ Team leadership 44%
- ✓ Robotics 33%
- Welding 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Keurig Dr Pepper
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Keurig Dr Pepper in Ottumwa
2 other open roles at this site.
- Maintenance Mechanic - 3rd Shift · Reliability · Technician
- Electro Mechanical Technician · Reliability · Technician
Full description from Keurig Dr PepperAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Lead PLC/SCADA standardization across the manufacturing network
Provide technical support to operations and project teams to solve dynamic problems and improve productivity
Support standardization and continuous improvement of KDP manufacturing data collection and reporting systems
Work with internal and 3rd party support teams to drive technical issues to resolution
Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives such as predictive analytics, IIOT and advanced automation concepts
Work with IT teams to ensure seamless patching and updates to manufacturing applications and servers
Work with IT teams to deliver best in class OT cybersecurity
Maintain controls & automation equipment standards
Partner with maintenance and operations to provide training and create troubleshooting guides for reoccurring issues as needed
Requirements
BS in Engineering or equivalent experience.
5+ Years of Industrial Automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
Extensive PLC programming experience is required. Prefer Allen-Bradley systems experience including, but not limited to, the Rockwell FactoryTalk suite of software, Logixplatform, and proficient understanding of Allen-Bradley industrial networks required.
Good working knowledge of SCADA/HMI systems preferably GE iFix and and/or Ignition.
5+ years of process and/or packaging automation experience.
Good working knowledge of variable speed and servo drives.
Good working knowledge of robotic control systems, preferably GE-Fanuc.
Possess a good understanding of computer and industrial networks.
Ability to effectively perform in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
GE Plant Applications experience a plus.
Siemens, Bosch & Rexroth, Beckhoff development experience a plus.
Working knowledge of databases a plus.
Familiar with PM, work order, and asset creation/management
qualifications
align with our open roles. AI does not make
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Overview
Relocation Benefits Available
This position is located at our Ottumwa, IA facility.
The Principal Automation Control Engineer under little or no supervision, chooses hardware, develops software and documentation. Verifies and maintains compliance to appropriate code and in-house standards and practices. Mentors junior level EMT’s, Electricians and manages 3rd party contractors. Recommends technical direction and new technologies. Utilizes ‘off the shelf’ and custom solutions to solve and improve manufacturing equipment. Troubleshoots, debugs, starts-up and maintains new and currently installed automated machines. Takes lead role and responsibility of major projects. Presents ideas and concepts to project stakeholders.
Scope
Develops solution to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. Ensures solutions are consistent with organization objectives. Contributes to the development of new concepts, techniques, and standards. Considered expert in field within organization.
Impact
Effects of decisions are long-lasting and heavily influence the future course of the organization. Errors in judgment or failure to achieve results would result in the expenditure of large amounts of company resources.
Liaison
Serves as consultant to management and special external spokesperson for the organization on major matters pertaining to its policies, plans, and objectives.
Supervision
Work is performed without appreciable direction. Exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment.
Total Rewards
- •Salary range: $96,800 - $120,000
- •Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
- •Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
- •Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility
- •Benefits eligible Day 1!
Company Overview
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?
A.I. Disclosure
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose
