About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, Quaker, and Tropicana. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $90 billion. The company's North America Facilities & Infrastructure Engineering team plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations across the United States, ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure for production facilities. As a Principal Utilities Engineer in Supply Chain Engineering, you'll contribute to PepsiCo's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in the competitive food and beverage industry.

Role Overview

The Principal Utilities Engineer - Supply Chain Engineering position is a senior-level (L10) role within PepsiCo's North America Facilities & Infrastructure Engineering team. Based in Plano, Texas, with potential locations in Chicago, Illinois; Purchase, NY, or large plant hubs, this role demands a seasoned engineering expert to deliver technical strategy, design support, and obsolescence management for critical utility systems. These systems power PepsiCo's manufacturing facilities, including steam, chilled water, compressed air, boilers, HVAC, compressors, nitrogen, and wastewater infrastructure. With an expected salary range of $110,700 to $185,250 USD, plus a 12% performance bonus, this position offers substantial compensation for professionals with proven expertise in industrial utilities.

Reporting to engineering leadership, you'll act as the go-to authority for complex utility challenges, driving projects from concept to completion while ensuring regulatory compliance, uptime, and cost efficiency. Travel is approximately 30% to manage plant projects nationwide, making this ideal for self-motivated leaders who thrive in dynamic, cross-functional environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Design

Serve as the principal expert for utility systems, providing input on new infrastructure designs, feasibility studies, and capital projects. Ensure all developments meet PepsiCo's stringent standards for reliability and sustainability.

Operations, Maintenance, and Improvement

Oversee day-to-day maintenance, advanced troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives for utility assets. Focus on maximizing uptime, energy efficiency, and operational performance across manufacturing sites.

Project and Risk Management

Lead end-to-end project management, including budgeting, vendor selection, contractor oversight, and financial tracking for CAPEX projects exceeding $5MM. Develop disaster recovery protocols and safety measures to mitigate risks.

Compliance and Strategy

Guarantee adherence to local, state, and federal regulations. Develop and execute a national obsolescence replacement strategy for aging utility assets, while facilitating auditing programs and documentation.

Mentorship and Communication

Train junior engineers and technicians, communicate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, and negotiate with vendors to drive successful outcomes.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Civil) and possess 8+ years of hands-on professional experience with utility systems such as steam, chilled water, compressed air, boilers, HVAC, compressors, nitrogen, and wastewater. Relevant professional licensing like PE or EIT, or certifications in water/wastewater operations, are highly advantageous.

Key soft skills include self-motivation, results-oriented leadership, exceptional verbal and written communication, and proficiency in stakeholder management. You should demonstrate proven expertise in manufacturing troubleshooting, vendor negotiations, team building, and financial acumen, including project cost tracking and reporting. Technical proficiencies encompass computer maintenance management systems (CMMS), MS Excel, MS Project, AutoCAD, and reporting software. Expect 30% travel and the ability to manage multimillion-dollar CAPEX projects.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a market-leading compensation package for the Principal Utilities Engineer role. Base salary ranges from $110,700 to $185,250, adjusted based on location, skills, experience, and education. Eligible employees receive a 12% target performance bonus paid annually. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability insurance; health and dependent care reimbursement accounts; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); accident, group legal, and life insurance; and a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Paid time off is generous, covering vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and parental leave, subject to eligibility. PepsiCo's total rewards package supports work-life balance and long-term financial security, making it a top choice for engineering professionals in the supply chain sector.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career advancement is driven by performance and impact. As a Principal Engineer, you'll have opportunities to lead larger-scale initiatives, influence national strategy, and mentor the next generation of talent. PepsiCo invests in employee development through training programs, leadership tracks, and exposure to global projects. High performers often progress to director-level roles in engineering, operations, or supply chain management, with a clear path to executive leadership.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means becoming part of a legacy of innovation in the food and beverage industry. Work on cutting-edge utility systems that support sustainable manufacturing for world-famous brands. Benefit from a collaborative culture, equal opportunity employment practices, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. PepsiCo considers qualified applicants with criminal histories per fair chance ordinances and provides equal consideration regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range for this position?

The expected range is $110,700 - $185,250 USD annually, plus a 12% bonus. Actual offers depend on experience and location.

Is travel required?

Yes, approximately 30% travel to manufacturing plants nationwide.

What degree is required?

A BS in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering is required, with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Are certifications necessary?

PE, EIT, or water/wastewater certifications are a plus but not mandatory.

How does PepsiCo support professional development?

Through mentorship, training, and project leadership opportunities for career progression.