Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Packing Automation Project Engineer to support and drive the development, optimization, and implementation of secondary and tertiary packaging solutions across high-speed manufacturing lines. This role is essential to the success of line automation, cost savings initiatives, reliability improvement, and compliance with FDA and GMP standards.

You will lead automation projects focused on cartoning, case packing, tray forming, printing, stretch wrapping, and palletizing , ensuring integration of OEM equipment and internal systems. This position also plays a key role in robotic cell implementation and process validation, driving performance metrics and packaging innovation for consumer products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation and engineering projects related to end-of-line packaging systems including installation, validation, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Deliver new-to-the-business and optimized packing technologies across cartoning, bundling, case packing, and palletizing lines.
• Drive cross-functional projects that reduce system downtime, improve availability, and increase overall equipment efficiency (OEE).
• Author and execute IQ/OQ/PQ validation documents for new processes to ensure FDA and GMP compliance.
• Collaborate with OEMs, system integrators, and plant technicians on design, FAT/SAT, troubleshooting, and long-term equipment reliability.
• Use tools such as SAP , Proficy , and internal analytics platforms to analyze loss data and implement systemic solutions.
• Lead preventative maintenance planning and recurring failure elimination strategies with manufacturing and maintenance teams.
• Implement and validate consumable material changes that lead to improved packaging machine performance and reduction in unplanned stops.
• Analyze and optimize changeover procedures to reduce downtime and improve throughput.

Core Equipment & Systems

Candidates should have experience or familiarity with the following technologies:

• Douglas IM/CM Cartoner
• Douglas CPOne Casepacker
• Insight Tray Erector
• Markem Printers
• Cognex Vision Systems
• Lantech Stretchwrapper
• Mettler Toledo Case Checkweigher
• Robotic Tray Loading Cells & Palletizing Systems

Key Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5+ years of hands-on experience in packaging automation , ideally in the CPG, pharma, or food/beverage industries.
• Strong working knowledge of end-of-line packaging equipment , robotics integration, and high-speed manufacturing lines.
• Proficient in validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and FDA/GMP compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to reduce downtime through analytical tools, proactive maintenance planning, and root cause analysis.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills and the ability to lead FAT/SAT with vendors and OEMs.
• Knowledge of SAP, Proficy, PlantSim, Power BI, and/or SQL is a plus.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and project management skills.
• Strong communication, documentation, and data analysis abilities.

Bonus Experience

• Vision systems configuration (Cognex)
• Robotics integration or programming (ABB, Fanuc, etc.)
• Lean Six Sigma certification or familiarity
• 3D modeling, Plant Simulation, or virtual DOE experience

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