Equipment Specialist

Primary

Purpose:

The Equipment Specialist is responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality packaging operations within a food manufacturing facility. This role operates, monitors, and maintains automated machinery to pack, seal, and label food products safely and efficiently. The role focuses on optimizing packaging processes, maintaining compliance with food safety standards, troubleshooting equipment issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

Responsibilities:

Operate, monitor and adjust packaging equipment (e.g. baggers, sealers, fillers, labelers) to meet production targets.

Ensure proper set up and changeovers for different SKUs and packaging formats

Monitor product quality, weights, seals and labeling accuracy

Inspect finished products for proper sealing, labeling, weight, and packaging integrity to meet company standards.

Work with quality technicians to conduct in-process checks (seal integrity, coding accuracy, foreign material prevention)
Support internal audits and regulatory inspections

Maintain accurate records of production, inventory, and packaging materials used, often using computer systems.

Verify packaging materials meet specifications, including film, labels, trays and cartons, and prepare packaging materials

Reduce packaging waste, rework and downtime;
Assist in root cause analysis for downtime, defects and material waste

Perform routine cleaning and minor mechanical issues on machinery, ensuring a clean and safe work area Coordinate with maintenance to troubleshoot automated packaging equipment as needed, recommending changes and preventative maintenance, following LOTO procedures

Drive initiatives to improve overall equipment effectiveness

Support implementation of standard work and centerlining

Participate in continuous improvement activities, such as 5S, Kaizen events and lossy analysis

Follow all plant safety procedures and policies

Adhere strictly to GMP, HACCP, and OSHA regulations to ensure a safe, sanitary product.

Education, Qualities and

Skills Required:

High school diploma or GED required; technical certification preferred2+ years of experience in food manufacturing and/or packaging operations

Experience with automated packaging equipment preferred

Understanding of food safety regulations, packaging materials and machine mechanics

Capability to stand for long periods of time, work in cold and varying temperatures

Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity and ability to work collaboratively as a team Supervisory Responsibility:

No direct supervision required.

Work Environment:

Work environment is primarily in food production areas. Standing is required for 70% - 80% of work shift. Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, squat and twist. Must be able to occasionally lift 25-50lbs. Temperatures range from 30°-60°F. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in required areas.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 40-45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for a manufacturing enviornment typically include:
1. Sitting:
Limited time sitting at a desk.
2. Standing: 701-80% of shift on concrete surfaces.
3. Visual Requirements:
Extended periods of viewing manufacturing equipment in operation, computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
4. Mobility:
Frequently walking or standing, including moving between different areas of the plant.
5. Manual Dexterity:
The ability to handle various forms of equipment and tools.
6. Communication:
Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
7. Lifting:
Occasionally lifting and carrying objects, typically 20-50 pounds.
8. Reaching and Bending:
Reaching above shoulder height and to floor levels, bending squatting and occasional kneeling.
9. Hearing:
Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences. Ability to hearing in a manufacturing environment while wearing required hearing protection.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform…