About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs hundreds of thousands of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering innovative products that bring joy to consumers. In Russia, PepsiCo has a strong presence with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities focused on sustainable production and high-quality standards. Our Timashevsk plant is a key hub in the food and beverage sector, producing essential goods that reach millions daily. We prioritize safety, innovation, and employee well-being, making us an employer of choice for technical experts in refrigeration and maintenance.

Role Overview

As a Refrigeration Plant Operator at PepsiCo in Timashevsk, Russia, you will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of our ammonia refrigeration systems, freon units, air compressors, and related equipment. This full-time position demands precision, technical expertise, and a commitment to safety in a fast-paced food production environment. You will maintain optimal cooling for product preservation, support compressed air supply, and perform essential repairs to minimize downtime. Ideal for certified technicians with hands-on experience in ammonia systems, this role offers stability, competitive pay, and opportunities to advance within PepsiCo's global network.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Maintaining optimal operating regimes for refrigeration plants, freon installations, air compressors, and compressor workshops.
• Monitoring and controlling electric motors, pipelines, valves, aggregates, pumps, equipment, and control-measurement instruments and automation (KIPiA), keeping them in serviceable condition.
• Performing startups and shutdowns of equipment, preparing units for repair handover, conducting minor repairs and maintenance independently, and accepting equipment post-repair.
• Ensuring specified temperature regimes in cooled chambers, ice water cooling, and providing compressed air to production lines.
• Controlling pressure and temperature parameters in refrigeration units, water levels in circulation and ice water tanks; recharging refrigeration agent and compressor oil; maintaining daily operation logs.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Secondary vocational (technical) education with a specialty in technician or operator of ammonia and freon refrigeration plants.
• Proven experience working with ammonia equipment, including performing repairs on assigned systems.
• Valid certification for servicing ammonia vessels under pressure.
• Operator certificate for ammonia refrigeration plants.

Strong knowledge of safety protocols for high-pressure systems is essential. Physical fitness for working in industrial settings and shift work availability are preferred.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its employees and offers a comprehensive package:

• Competitive salary estimated at $65,000 - $95,000 USD annually, based on Food & Beverage sector rates in Russia with a buffer for top talent.
• Health insurance, including medical check-ups tailored for industrial workers.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental benefits.
• Training programs for certifications and skill enhancement in refrigeration technology.
• Employee assistance programs, gym memberships, and product discounts.
• Relocation support if applicable, and performance-based bonuses.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, this role is a launchpad for advancement. Start as a Refrigeration Plant Operator and progress to senior technician, maintenance supervisor, or engineering manager roles. We invest in internal promotions, with 70% of leadership positions filled by existing employees. Access leadership development programs, technical certifications, and global rotations. In Russia, our Timashevsk facility offers pathways to larger plants in Krasnodar or Moscow, fostering long-term careers in supply chain and operations.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means being part of a company committed to sustainability, innovation, and community impact. In Timashevsk, you'll contribute to producing high-quality food products while working with cutting-edge refrigeration technology. Our culture emphasizes safety first, teamwork, and recognition. With a low turnover rate and high employee satisfaction, PepsiCo offers job security in Russia's dynamic Food & Beverage industry. Be part of a global leader driving positive change—one cooled chamber at a time.

Role FAQs

What shift patterns are involved?

This role typically involves rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage of refrigeration systems, with overtime opportunities.

Is prior ammonia certification required?

Yes, valid certifications for ammonia pressure vessels and refrigeration operations are mandatory for safety compliance.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated $65,000 - $95,000 USD yearly, adjusted for experience and market rates in Krasnodar Krai.

Are there opportunities for international assignments?

Yes, high performers can apply for global PepsiCo roles in refrigeration and maintenance.

How does PepsiCo support safety training?

We provide ongoing training on ammonia handling, equipment safety, and emergency response protocols.