Automation Line Operator - Weekend Nights

Utz Brands•HANOVER, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Utz Quality Foods is hiring an Automation Line Operator at its Kindig Lane facility. This full-time position works Friday through Sunday from 5:30 PM to 5:30 AM, with overtime as needed to support production demand. The operator runs, monitors, and maintains robotic palletizers and conveyor systems that handle and stack product cases, helping keep production safe and efficient in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role uses Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to operate and troubleshoot equipment, monitors system indicators, and ensures cases are oriented and stacked according to SKU and customer requirements. The operator clears jams and alarms, performs equipment checks and cleaning, maintains a clean automation area, records downtime and mechanical issues through Redzone, and provides light maintenance support. The position involves collaboration with QA, maintenance, and packaging teams and adherence to lockout/tagout procedures and other safety protocols. Utz describes its workplace as supportive, caring, and inclusive, with opportunities for career growth and advancement. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer 401(k) match, a profit-sharing plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and additional benefits and resources.

Requirements

One to two years of manufacturing or food packaging experience is preferred.
Comfort working with robotic arms, conveyors, and automated systems.
Basic understanding of alarms, machine interfaces, and troubleshooting methods.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures and schedules.
Good written and verbal communication skills and a team-focused attitude.
Forklift or pallet jack certification.
Familiarity with barcode scanners, vision systems, and label printers.
Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical automation systems.
Ability to stand and walk for 8–12 hours per shift.
Ability to work in a production environment with noise, heat, and moving machinery.

Nice To Haves

Technical training in automation or robotics.
Awareness of Lean or Six Sigma practices.
Knowledge of PLC systems or programming languages.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor automated systems to ensure performance and minimize downtime.
Use Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to start, stop, reset, and troubleshoot equipment.
Ensure correct case orientation and stacking patterns based on SKU and customer requirements.
Monitor system indicators, including box count, pallet output, and sensor flags, to track performance.
Safely and promptly clear jams and alarms and restart the system when needed.
Perform daily equipment checks and cleaning at the start and end of each shift.
Maintain cleanliness in the automation area, including sensors and sweep zones, and remove trash.
Communicate and collaborate with QA, maintenance, and packaging teams.
Follow lockout/tagout procedures and all safety protocols.
Report and log mechanical issues and downtime events through Redzone.
Perform light maintenance and assist with troubleshooting equipment issues.