Automation Project Leader (Vernon Hills, IL, US) presso Tetra Pak

Job Summary

As a global leader in food processing and packaging, Tetra Pak delivers world-class, cutting-edge solutions that help ensure food safety and quality across the globe. Our portfolio spans advanced technologies and services that drive innovation and support our customers in optimizing performance, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the ever-changing needs of the food industry. But beyond the solutions we design, it’s the people behind them who make the difference — talented professionals driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared commitment to protecting what’s good.

As an Automation Project Leader, you will be part of this mission by leading automation projects across North America, that enable our customers to deliver safe, high-quality food efficiently and sustainably. You will integrate advanced automation technologies into complex processing systems, ensuring seamless operations from design to commissioning. Your leadership will not only ensure project success but also strengthen customer trust and operational excellence, helping Tetra Pak and its partners reduce environmental impact, improve food safety, and shape the future of sustainable food production.

This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports, focused on leading the automation scope of project and will report to the Team Leader Automation Engineering.

You will be required to travel across U.S and Canada 35% of your time to our customer sites, for commissioning and startup activities.

The position would be based in Vernon Hills, US.

Tetra Pak does not offer visa or relocation support for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

What you will do

As an Automation Project Leader, you will:

• Lead the automation scope of customer projects from pre-sales through commissioning, ensuring alignment with project goals and customer expectations.
• Manage project execution across budget, timeline, and quality metrics, using structured project management methodologies.
• Coordinate and guide automation engineers, ensuring effective resource allocation and technical excellence.
• Act as the primary automation contact for customers, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Engage with internal stakeholders including Account Managers, Project Managers, and Engineering Teams to align priorities and resolve challenges.
• Oversee external partners such as installers and suppliers, ensuring compliance with standards and smooth execution.
• Define system architecture and lead hardware/software specifications, including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) integration, and electrical panel design.
• Ensure compliance with local customer electrical standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, safety risk assessments, and customer training sessions.
• Contribute hands-on when needed, supporting PLC programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and commissioning activities.

We believe you have

• A university degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Software Development, or equivalent.
• Fluent English communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience deploying automation systems in processing environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs such as Rockwell and Siemens, and SCADA systems such as Rockwell and Ignition, including programming and commissioning.
• Solid project management skills with the ability to manage scope, cost, and schedule effectively.
• Good understanding of MES, virtualization technologies, and industrial network integration.
• Familiarity with ISA-88 (Batch Control) and ISA-95 (Enterprise-Control System Integration) standards is preferred.
• Strong design skills and troubleshooting capability for electrical systems (up to 600 Volts AC) and pneumatic systems.
• Excellent technical and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide others.
• Strong, positive oral and written communication skills for both internal teams and customer.

Pay Equity

Tetra Pak provides the following compensation range that in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. 
Ranges are determined by role, level and responsibilities. Within the range, individual pay is defined by diverse factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location and others 
This compensation range is based on a full-time schedule. The estimate displayed is just one component of Tetra Pak’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards include annual performance bonus, competitive benefits, and work-related allowances. 

Annual Base Salary Range: $100,100.00 – 1$42,800.00 
Short-term Incentive (Variable Pay): eligible to performance incentive of 10% 
Benefits: 401k company match, paid time off, paid holidays, health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, Paid Parental Leave, tuition reimbursement and much more!