Packaging Equipment Technician

3rd Shift

Normal hours 12AM - 8:30 AM

Starting pay $22 + $1 shift differential.

Mon-Saturday availability required.

Job Summary

The Packaging Line Setup Technician owns the preparation, setup, startup, and basic mechanical support of packaging lines to ensure they are fully operational, efficient, and production-ready each day. This role is responsible for independently setting up and adjusting packaging equipment, aligning systems, staging packaging materials, troubleshooting minor mechanical issues, and verifying all equipment is functioning correctly before production begins. The technician serves as the primary startup resource for packaging operations, ensuring smooth line performance while minimizing downtime and production delays.

This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues before they impact production. When line setup responsibilities are complete, the role supports cutting operations to maintain product flow and ensure seamless coordination between cutting and packaging processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Line Setup & Startup
  • Set up packaging lines based on the scheduled product and program requirements
  • Adjust equipment settings to match product specifications
  • Ensure product flows correctly through all stages of the line:
    • Sealing / forming
    • Weighing
    • Metal detection
    • Labeling
    • Case packing
    • Palletizing
  • Verify packages are forming, sealing, weighing, and labeling correctly prior to startup
  • Troubleshoot and resolve setup issues before releasing lines to production
  • Stage materials and tools needed for startup, including: Bins, carts, scales, utensils, Trash bins and waste containers
  • Prepare and load equipment:
    • Thread film on packaging machines
    • Load labels and boxes
    • Turn on and prepare ink jet printers and case labelers
    • Set up tables and workstations for efficient production flow
    • Load plastic and materials into denesters
  • Prepare lines to meet food safety and quality requirements:
    • Place scale calibration weights
    • Create and set metal detection test samples
    • Build and verify setup samples for each line
    • Ensure all critical systems are ready prior to startup
  • Turn on conveyors and packaging belts at scheduled startup time
  • Support line testing and validation with the packaging team (requires collaboration across team members)
  • Confirm all equipment and systems are functioning correctly before production begins
  • Support brownie cutting operations when setup responsibilities are complete, including:
    • Cutting product
    • Catching product
    • Pulling racks
    • Move racks (including from freezer) to support product availability and flow
    • Assist with brushing down and preparing cutters for operation
  • Flex between setup and cutting responsibilities to prevent bottlenecks and downtime
  • Communicate startup readiness, issues, or delays to leadership
  • Support line changeovers and troubleshooting as needed
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment
  • Follow all GMP, SQF, food safety, and quality standards
  • Support overall team success by stepping in where needed to keep packaging running

Requirements

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to learn packaging equipment
• High attention to detail and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform physical work (lifting, bending, pushing, pulling)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

What Success Looks Like

• Lines are fully set up and ready on time every day
• Startup runs smoothly with minimal issues or delays
• Equipment is set correctly the first time, reducing rework
• Strong coordination between cutting and packaging to maintain flow
• Work area is clean, organized, and audit‑ready