Automation Line Operator- Weekend Day
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 AM to 5:30 PM, with overtime as needed to support production demand. The operator is the primary point of contact on the line, leading daily operations, monitoring performance, and supporting the operation and basic maintenance of robotic palletizers and conveyor systems used to stack and move product cases. The role helps keep production safe and efficient, supports team members, and works with leadership to address issues and drive continuous improvement. The position oversees shift personnel and automation operations, ensures compliance with safety procedures and workplace standards, monitors system performance, and facilitates movement of pallets to the RDC. The operator uses human-machine interfaces to operate and troubleshoot equipment, clears jams and alarms, performs inspections and cleaning, documents operator care and downtime, and helps identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, service, and equipment reliability. The production environment involves noise, heat, and moving machinery, and requires standing and walking for 8–12 hours per shift. 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-matched 401(k), a profit-sharing plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and other resources and programs.
Requirements
- One to two years of experience in manufacturing or food packaging 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 is a plus but is not required.
- Awareness of Lean or Six Sigma practices is a plus.
- Knowledge of PLC systems or programming languages is a bonus.
Responsibilities
- Ensure safe operation of the Automation area by verifying that personnel follow Lock Out Tag Out procedures and safety protocols.
- Supervise and deploy Automation Operators, Jackpot Lane Operators, and Forklift Material Handlers during the shift.
- Serve as the primary point of contact during assigned shifts, facilitating communication among leaders of P3, P4, and the RDC Operation to address automation issues.
- Be responsible for identified key metrics.
- Ensure completion and movement of RAF pallets to the RDC at the end of the shift.
- Monitor system indicators, including box count, pallet output, and sensor flags, to track performance and identify improvement opportunities.
- Oversee daily equipment inspections and cleaning at the beginning and end of each shift.
- Ensure compliance with 5’s standards in the designated area.
- Assist with recommending changes to case dimensions, fill/count levels, and pallet configurations to improve palletizing reliability.
- Communicate opportunities to improve safety, quality, and service levels related to equipment and processes.
- Complete all operator care tasks and maintain accurate documentation.
- 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.
- Clear jams and alarms safely and quickly, and restart the system when needed.
- Maintain cleanliness in the automation area, including sensors, sweep zones, and trash removal.
- 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.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Employer-matched 401(k)
- Profit-sharing plan
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Other benefits, resources, and programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
