Packaging Equipment Engineer

Summary:

The Packaging Equipment Engineer plans and directs activities to optimize filling line performance and drive continuous improvement plans and plays a key role in equipment selection for new projects and cost savings initiatives.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drives continuous improvements throughout filling and packaging operations.
• Supports manufacturing operations by troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Develops and implements processes and systems to measure line performance and prioritize improvement areas to reduce downtime and small stops and improve quality and throughput.
• Manages the development and implementation of equipment for new products, processes, and capacity expansion plans.
• Leads equipment and process qualification activities for new equipment and processes.
• Assists with all project proposals and cost estimates as well as gathers all project related quotes.  Provides cost estimates for projects and products.
• Provides leadership and training in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, DMAIC, etc) and coaches employees in the use of these tools.
• Tracks improvement project and submits weekly summaries detailing the status of each project.
• Participate in loss analysis studies.
• Ensure that capital projects are on budget.
• Provides training to line leads, operators, and mechanics as needed in key SOPs and improvement methodologies.
• Supports Health & Safety programs and cGMP initiatives.

• Assists with preliminary budgetary information, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and other paperwork according to established company policy. 
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information. 
• Exhibits regular and predictable attendance and works outside of the normal schedule as needed due to workplace demands (e.g. supporting off-shifts).  Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering discipline or equivalent; preferably Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Industrial Engineering.  In lieu of a degree, equivalent years of experience will be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a production environment with both high speed filling and packaging systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of: Microsoft Office Suite; OSHA Safety Requirements; variety of liquid filling/packaging practices and procedures; driving OEE improvement; Lean Manufacturing; AutoCAD; Solidworks.
• Skill in solving problems; prioritizing work to ensure deadlines are met; problem solving, analytical and technical skills, strong communication, interpersonal, team building, and organization.
• Ability to: manage multiple and competing priorities; resolve difficult situations with no clear direction;  adapt to change; develop and maintain good working relationships;  develop and maintain processes and workflows; be detail-oriented; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to a diverse group of individuals; present information to large and small groups;  be organized and work quickly and efficiently with short deadlines; multi-task; read, comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions, including SOPs; work independently and as part of a team; operate a computer; wear required PPE as needed when walking through the facility; ability to interact effectively with all levels of organization.
• Other functions, skills and abilities may apply.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds manually. 
• Warehouse and Production environment; the noise level is moderate
• Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to handle and feel, reach with hands or arms, stoop, crouch, talk, hear, push and pull, sit for long periods of time at a computer.
• Exposure to frequent movement of motorized equipment throughout the facility, including electric pallet jacks, forklifts, and heavy machinery.