Mechanic, Maintenance Packaging

Job Description

Date

10/2025

Location

1300 Airport Road, North Brunswick NJ


Title

Mechanic, Maintenance (PKG.)

Department

Facilities / Engineering

Reports to

Manager, Maintenance


FLSA (Exempt or Non-Exempt)

Non -Exempt

Role Overview

The Packaging Mechanic is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing packaging lines and auxiliary equipment (e.g. fillers, cappers, labelers, cartoners, sealers, conveyors, etc.). On higher levels, the role involves preventive maintenance, changeovers, and acting as a technical leader on the packaging floor.


Areas of Responsibility

Level 1 - Mechanic, Maintenance (PKG.)

Mechanic supports routine maintenance, equipment cleaning, basic setup, basic troubleshooting, and minor repairs under supervision. Ideal for those newer to packaging maintenance, this role focuses on learning and executing tasks safely and accurately.

Operates under close supervision, handling routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, basic setups, and minor repairs. Escalates complex issues to higher-level technicians.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with setup, changeovers, cleaning, and basic operation of packaging lines.
• Load materials (labels, cartons, films) into packaging equipment.
• Perform basic visual inspections, detect packaging defects, and remove faulty units.
• Assist in daily cleaning, line sanitation, and housekeeping.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and safety protocols.
• Document basic packaging metrics, logs, and shift records.
• Escalate technical issues to higher-level technicians.
• Assist in minor mechanical adjustments (e.g. tightening bolts, replacing belts) under supervision.
• Participate in safety and quality training.

Level 2 - Mechanic, Maintenance (PKG.)

Mechanic requires the ability to independently perform equipment maintenance, moderate troubleshooting, perform machine change overs and setup and perform limited repairs .


Employees at this level work with moderate supervision, frequently exercising independent judgment. They apply solid mechanical and electrical skills to set up, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment. They are expected to analyze problems, propose solutions, and take ownership of more complex tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on packaging lines including blister, bottle, cartoning, and label printing systems.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues (motors, drives, sensors, solenoids, PLC I/O) on packaging equipment.
• Execute changeovers and line reconfigurations, calibrations, and adjustments for product format changes.
• Perform preventive maintenance and predictive maintenance tasks, identifying worn parts and scheduling replacements.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Mentor Level 1 technicians, guiding and reviewing their work.
• Assist in packaging reliability improvement initiatives, root cause analyses, and process optimization.
• Support emergency breakdowns and unscheduled repairs to minimize downtime.
• Participate in regulatory and safety audits related to packaging lines.

Level 3 - Mechanic, Maintenance (PKG.)

Mechanics are highly skilled professionals who lead complex repairs, system diagnostics, and project-based maintenance work. They serve as subject matter experts and may act as a shift lead.

Operates independently with full responsibility over packaging line performance. Handles advanced diagnostics, major repairs, preventive maintenance programs. Makes judgment calls on repair vs replace. Leads projects, supports regulatory compliance, and provides technical leadership. Works with the engineerign team in identfying and proposing process improvements and in maintaining adequate critical spare parts as well as consumables.


Key Responsibilities:

• Lead maintenance, upgrade, and optimization of complex packaging lines (blister, bottle, cartooning, label printing, IFC lines).
• Perform advanced diagnostics, root cause analysis, and system redesigns to improve reliability and throughput.
• Take full responsibility for major line failures and coordinate cross-functional resources to resolve issues.
• Plan and execute capital projects, line changeovers, expansions, and line integrations.
• Act as technical liaison with vendors, OEMs, contractors, and internal engineering groups.
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Mentor, train, and coach Level 1 and Level 2 technicians.
• Participate in regulatory inspections and ensure compliance documentation.
• Recommend equipment upgrades, modifications, or replacements.
• Lead packaging continuous improvement initiatives (OEE improvements, downtime reduction).

Requirements

Education & Qualification:

Level 1 - Mechanic, Maintenance (PKG.)

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 0-2 years in maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
• Basic mechanical aptitude and tool familiarity.
• Ability to follow written SOPs and safety protocols.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts and overtime.
• Forklift experience is a plus.

Level 2 - Mechanic , Maintenance (PKG.)

• High school graduate or GED equivalent, Technical or vocational training is a plus.
• 3+ years of hands-on maintenance experience in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of safety, compliance, and regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of cGMP, OSHA, and equipment schematics.
• 1+ Years work experience in a regulated industry such as Nutritional's, vitamins, food manufacturing or pharmaceutical equipment maintenance is preferred.

Level 3 - Mechanic, Maintenance (PKG.)

• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Associate degree, technical certification, or vocational training is a plus
• 5+ Years work experience in a regulated industry such as Nutritional's, vitamins, food manufacturing or pharmaceutical equipment maintenance is preferred.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• PLC troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision.
• Trade certifications in HVAC, electrical, pneumatics, or hydraulics are highly preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Credentials:

• License or certifications in electronics, pneumatics and/or hydraulics preferred.
• Forklift /scissor lift driver's certification is a plus but not a requirement.

Skills & Ability

• HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, pneumatic, boilers, compressed air systems, pumps, hydraulic and Mechanical systems as required. PLC is a plus.
• General PC proficiency and work order systems etc.
• Skill in handling several projects or tasks at the same time, or within a given time frame.
• The ability to recognize a safety issue or potential safety issue.
• Skill in quality and compliance vigilance.
• Ability to maintain a professional, positive attitude at all times.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers, management team members, and other individuals in a courteous and professional manner.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a team and assist others.
• Able to follow written instructions precisely and perform basic math calculations as required.
• Understands and is knowledgeable of cGMP, OSHA standards, etc.
• Demonstrates the ability to read and write basic English to be able to understand the industry-regulated instruction sheets.
• Demonstrates forklift experience with both sit-down and stand-up trucks.
• Demonstrates the ability to read and write basic English to be able to understand the industry regulated instruction sheets.
• Mechanically inclined to understand inner workings of equipment.
• Able to read from schematics and blueprints.

Physical Requirements (lifting, etc.):

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Must stand and walk on the production floor for a minimum of 6 hours per shift.
• Uses hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, lifting to waist height and/or above shoulder height, frequent bending from the waist, or squatting, walking short distances.
• Occasionally works from a rolling ladder or step stool, must be to lean over equipment as well as kneeling on the floor to clean under the equipment.
• Must be able to wear all PPE including a lab coat, face mask, booties, gloves, safety glasses/goggles, and respirators.

Work Environment (Office, Warehouse, temperature extremes, etc.):

• Work is regularly performed inside a manufacturing environment where temperatures can be moderate, exposure to dust, odors, noise, and fumes. The noise level is usually moderate. Employees can be exposed daily to chemicals and cleaning agents. May occasionally work on the outside of the building, on the grounds, in parking areas, or on the roof during all seasons.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the job responsibilities, duties, skill, or working conditions. In addition, this document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

USPL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Benefits And Compensation: Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of USPL. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan. Employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, sick time, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 10 days of vacation the first year, which grows to 12 days starting the second year of employment.

1st Shift: 7:30am-4pm. Shift hours may vary based on business needs.