OPT Engineering Leader Jobs
Engineering Leader jobs on OPT are available, but most require STEM OPT extension eligibility given the 24-month authorization period these senior roles demand. Employers filing H-1B visa sponsorship for engineering leadership positions typically need candidates already authorized through a STEM field designation on their EAD.
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Internally slated candidates are being considered for this position. However, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply
We are PepsiCo Supply Chain. We are the game changers, innovators, collaborators and history makers. We are ground breakers of the Supply Chain & Logistics space.
We are a diverse group, spread across 200 countries and territories, and united by a shared set of values and goals. You know our name through our amazing portfolio, including Tropicana, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker and Gatorade.
We perform with a purpose. We dream globally and act locally, constantly innovating to sustain our planet, our people, our communities and our business practices. Together, we raise the bar in lean manufacturing practices. We put forth new standards and stretch to reach beyond the goals we set. We are a think tank, bringing our innovative ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety… all while meeting the demands of our customers and consumers to deliver the best products. At PepsiCo, we are committed to performing well as individuals and in teams, and to strengthen the company as a whole.
Are you hungry to be a part of the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands? Don't you want to join our winning team and help define the future of the leader in consumer goods? Then now is the time to explore the Possibilities of PepsiCo.
Responsibilities:
The Controls and Automation Engineer provides leadership, operational support, and project support to the plant’s Maintenance team. This position is responsible for designing, programming, repairing, and maintaining programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, automation devices, controls components, and overall electrical equipment used within PepsiCo facilities. This position also provides support to improve productivity and operating performance in the critical areas of health and safety, quality, production, cost, service, employee engagement, and other people/leadership objectives through the use of continuous improvement methodologies. This role and person should be recognized and accessed by the people in the plant as the key resource expert in the area.
- Operations Support: Perform preventative maintenance, program, troubleshoot, and perform repairs on PLC systems, automation devices, controls components, and overall electrical equipment.
- Operations Support: Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and makes more complicated repairs or adjustments as needed. May perform preventative maintenance duties per manufacturer's specifications.
- Operations Support: Communicate and collaborate cross-functionally to assist teams to solve operational issues. Motivate team members across all departments to achieve plant and PBNA goals.
- Continuous Improvement: Perform breakdown analysis on electrical failures.
- Project Management: Plan, schedule, and execute projects, ensuring timely completion with minimal production disruption. Assist in the development, installation and commissioning of capital projects.
- Project Management: Support development of annual operating plan, yield improvement plans, and fixed budgets.
- Project Management: Assist in plant initiatives and direct line supervision as needed.
- Project Management: Required to work off-shift and weekends as needed to support projects and regular operations.
- Vendor Management: Direct activities of outside contractors working on assigned work.
- Technical Leadership: Work independently under limited supervision (self-management).
- Technical Leadership: Understand and support maintenance, repair and improvement of thermal processing equipment including heat exchangers, heat recovery systems and CIP systems.
- Technical Leadership: Own and manage various OT softwares and plant data systems such as ZPI, MARS, Colos, ThinManager, WonderWare, Factory Talk, etc.
- Team Development: Lead, Manage, Coach and Train others (salaried and hourly) on automation, electric, and controls equipment.
- Team Development: Develop yourself and your team to solve and manage the day-to-day operational issues and reach short-term and long-term performance and career goals.
- This role may require some travel (less than 5%).
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
- Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
- Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.
- Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
- Original Posting Date: (02/11/26)
While subject to change based on business needs, PepsiCo reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 5 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 5 days after the original posting date as listed above.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field – technical background preferred.
- Lean Six Sigma Experience preferred, demonstrated by successful completion of major continuous improvement projects.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience in a consumer products manufacturing operation preferred.
- Automation and Controls experience.
- Industrial utility systems knowledge a plus.
- Self-motivated, results driven and action oriented.
- Ability to make independent and sound decisions.
- Ability to conduct assessments, audits, and evaluations to measure progress.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Understanding of Business Finance principles.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications.
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
- Ability to lead a team-based approach to decision making.
- Ability to work in a result oriented, fast-paced, challenging environment.
- Strong leadership with the ability to get results through mentoring others.
- Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team building skills.
- This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Safe driving record strongly preferred.
HELPFUL EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with mechanical systems (e.g., gear boxes, chains, sprockets, motors, seals, bearings).
- Experience with compressors/boilers systems (e.g., steam systems).
- Experience with conveyers and airveyors (air cylinders, diverters, sensors, motor/speed controls).
- Experience with gearing and gear boxes (rebuilds, ordering parts, machining parts).
- Experience with hydraulic systems (high pressure cylinders, pumps, valves, troubleshooting).
- Experience with kinematics (e.g., line speed/sprocket size ratios, etc.).
- Experience with packaging/high speed production (e.g., bottling, consumer products, etc.).
- Experience with pneumatics (solenoids, cylinders, motor brakes, reading, troubleshooting).
- Experience with pneumatics/air compression (e.g., valves, cylinders, etc.).
- Experience with preventative maintenance (computerized preventative charts/data).
- Experience with pumps (e.g., troubleshooting, replacing seals/motors, understanding specs).
- Experience with SERVO (e.g., intelligent/robotic motors, in-coders, etc.).
- Experience with troubleshooting mechanical breakdowns (pinpointing and fixing breakdowns).
- Experience with reading mechanical drawings (e.g., hydraulics, pneumatics).
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: /Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
Overview:
Internally slated candidates are being considered for this position. However, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply
We are PepsiCo Supply Chain. We are the game changers, innovators, collaborators and history makers. We are ground breakers of the Supply Chain & Logistics space.
We are a diverse group, spread across 200 countries and territories, and united by a shared set of values and goals. You know our name through our amazing portfolio, including Tropicana, Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker and Gatorade.
We perform with a purpose. We dream globally and act locally, constantly innovating to sustain our planet, our people, our communities and our business practices. Together, we raise the bar in lean manufacturing practices. We put forth new standards and stretch to reach beyond the goals we set. We are a think tank, bringing our innovative ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety… all while meeting the demands of our customers and consumers to deliver the best products. At PepsiCo, we are committed to performing well as individuals and in teams, and to strengthen the company as a whole.
Are you hungry to be a part of the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands? Don't you want to join our winning team and help define the future of the leader in consumer goods? Then now is the time to explore the Possibilities of PepsiCo.
Responsibilities:
The Controls and Automation Engineer provides leadership, operational support, and project support to the plant’s Maintenance team. This position is responsible for designing, programming, repairing, and maintaining programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, automation devices, controls components, and overall electrical equipment used within PepsiCo facilities. This position also provides support to improve productivity and operating performance in the critical areas of health and safety, quality, production, cost, service, employee engagement, and other people/leadership objectives through the use of continuous improvement methodologies. This role and person should be recognized and accessed by the people in the plant as the key resource expert in the area.
- Operations Support: Perform preventative maintenance, program, troubleshoot, and perform repairs on PLC systems, automation devices, controls components, and overall electrical equipment.
- Operations Support: Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and makes more complicated repairs or adjustments as needed. May perform preventative maintenance duties per manufacturer's specifications.
- Operations Support: Communicate and collaborate cross-functionally to assist teams to solve operational issues. Motivate team members across all departments to achieve plant and PBNA goals.
- Continuous Improvement: Perform breakdown analysis on electrical failures.
- Project Management: Plan, schedule, and execute projects, ensuring timely completion with minimal production disruption. Assist in the development, installation and commissioning of capital projects.
- Project Management: Support development of annual operating plan, yield improvement plans, and fixed budgets.
- Project Management: Assist in plant initiatives and direct line supervision as needed.
- Project Management: Required to work off-shift and weekends as needed to support projects and regular operations.
- Vendor Management: Direct activities of outside contractors working on assigned work.
- Technical Leadership: Work independently under limited supervision (self-management).
- Technical Leadership: Understand and support maintenance, repair and improvement of thermal processing equipment including heat exchangers, heat recovery systems and CIP systems.
- Technical Leadership: Own and manage various OT softwares and plant data systems such as ZPI, MARS, Colos, ThinManager, WonderWare, Factory Talk, etc.
- Team Development: Lead, Manage, Coach and Train others (salaried and hourly) on automation, electric, and controls equipment.
- Team Development: Develop yourself and your team to solve and manage the day-to-day operational issues and reach short-term and long-term performance and career goals.
- This role may require some travel (less than 5%).
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
- Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
- Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.
- Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
- Original Posting Date: (02/11/26)
While subject to change based on business needs, PepsiCo reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 5 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 5 days after the original posting date as listed above.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field – technical background preferred.
- Lean Six Sigma Experience preferred, demonstrated by successful completion of major continuous improvement projects.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience in a consumer products manufacturing operation preferred.
- Automation and Controls experience.
- Industrial utility systems knowledge a plus.
- Self-motivated, results driven and action oriented.
- Ability to make independent and sound decisions.
- Ability to conduct assessments, audits, and evaluations to measure progress.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Understanding of Business Finance principles.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications.
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
- Ability to lead a team-based approach to decision making.
- Ability to work in a result oriented, fast-paced, challenging environment.
- Strong leadership with the ability to get results through mentoring others.
- Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team building skills.
- This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Safe driving record strongly preferred.
HELPFUL EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with mechanical systems (e.g., gear boxes, chains, sprockets, motors, seals, bearings).
- Experience with compressors/boilers systems (e.g., steam systems).
- Experience with conveyers and airveyors (air cylinders, diverters, sensors, motor/speed controls).
- Experience with gearing and gear boxes (rebuilds, ordering parts, machining parts).
- Experience with hydraulic systems (high pressure cylinders, pumps, valves, troubleshooting).
- Experience with kinematics (e.g., line speed/sprocket size ratios, etc.).
- Experience with packaging/high speed production (e.g., bottling, consumer products, etc.).
- Experience with pneumatics (solenoids, cylinders, motor brakes, reading, troubleshooting).
- Experience with pneumatics/air compression (e.g., valves, cylinders, etc.).
- Experience with preventative maintenance (computerized preventative charts/data).
- Experience with pumps (e.g., troubleshooting, replacing seals/motors, understanding specs).
- Experience with SERVO (e.g., intelligent/robotic motors, in-coders, etc.).
- Experience with troubleshooting mechanical breakdowns (pinpointing and fixing breakdowns).
- Experience with reading mechanical drawings (e.g., hydraulics, pneumatics).
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: /Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
See all 59+ OPT Engineering Leader Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Engineering Leader Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Engineering Leader
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
Engineering Leader roles often take 6 to 12 months to hire. If your standard OPT has less than a year remaining, apply for your STEM OPT extension immediately so authorization gaps don't derail a late-stage offer.
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship histories
Large engineering organizations and mid-size product companies sponsor H-1B visas far more consistently than early-stage startups. Prioritize employers who have sponsored engineering roles in prior years, as leadership hires often take longer to clear legal approval.
Frame your leadership scope in quantifiable terms
Hiring managers and immigration attorneys both need evidence that your role is a specialty occupation. Document team size, technical complexity, and business impact concretely. Vague titles without substance raise questions during H-1B petition review.
Raise OPT authorization early in recruiter conversations
Engineering leadership searches involve multiple stakeholders. Disclosing your work authorization status to the recruiter upfront prevents late-stage surprises when legal review begins and saves weeks of wasted effort on both sides.
Negotiate offer timelines around your OPT expiration date
Engineering Leader offers frequently include extended notice periods and offer-to-start gaps. Make sure your EAD remains valid through your actual start date, and account for STEM OPT processing time if your standard OPT ends soon.
Understand that leadership roles require specialty occupation justification
USCIS scrutinizes managerial H-1B petitions more heavily than individual contributor roles. Ensure the job description specifies a degree requirement in engineering, computer science, or a directly related technical field, not general management.
Engineering Leader OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Engineering Leaders in the United States?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as Engineering Leaders if the role falls within their degree field. Most Engineering Leader positions require a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM discipline, which typically satisfies the field-of-study requirement for OPT authorization. STEM OPT extension holders get up to 36 months of total work authorization, which gives employers sufficient runway to file H-1B sponsorship.
Do Engineering Leader roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Engineering Leader roles generally qualify for the STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field and the job is directly related to that field. The role must involve applying engineering or technical knowledge, not purely administrative management. Most employers structuring these roles correctly will include technical oversight responsibilities that satisfy the relatedness requirement. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Engineering Leader jobs that sponsor H-1B visas for OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface jobs from employers with H-1B sponsorship history, so it's the most efficient starting point for OPT students targeting Engineering Leader roles. Beyond job boards, look at companies that have sponsored engineering leadership positions in previous H-1B cycles. Product-driven companies and enterprise technology firms sponsor at higher rates than early-stage startups, where equity compensation often substitutes for visa sponsorship infrastructure.
Will employers consider OPT students for Engineering Leader positions given the seniority level?
Yes, but the pool is narrower than for individual contributor roles. Engineering Leader positions typically require several years of experience, and many OPT students applying will be on STEM OPT extension following prior U.S. work experience. Employers willing to sponsor at this level usually have established immigration programs and legal teams. The bigger challenge is timeline: these searches move slowly, and OPT authorization windows require careful planning.
What happens to my OPT work authorization if my Engineering Leader role is eliminated?
If your employment ends while on standard OPT, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment or change status. STEM OPT extension holders also receive a 60-day grace period, but unemployment days count against a 150-day limit over the extension period. For Engineering Leader roles, which carry higher layoff risk during economic downturns, it's worth maintaining an emergency plan and monitoring your unemployment day count closely.