Lead Automation Technician

Freeman Herbs•Lincoln, ON

5d•CA$26 - CA$30•Onsite

About The Position

Freeman Herbs is looking for an Automation Technician to keep our automated production lines running safely, efficiently, and at their best. Reporting to the Production Manager, this position is the go-to person for solving equipment issues, driving continuous improvement on automated production and packing lines, and ensuring that quality standards are achieved at each step. This role is a great fit for someone who's hands-on, mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and energized by solving problems on the production floor, and who wants to grow their skills across automation and process improvement along the way.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment
Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and automated systems
Mechanical aptitude and experience interpreting technical documents (e.g., schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs)
Familiarity with production software including ERP and CMMS
Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal, across shifts and with cross-functional teams
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work around dust, plant material, and varying temperatures

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field preferred
Supervisory experience in manufacturing, food and beverage, or horticultural settings
Machine programming (PLC)
Spanish language, an asset
Forklift certification
Canadian workplace safety credential(s)

Responsibilities

Monitor and optimize throughput rates, changeover times, and unplanned downtime on automated production equipment, using CMMS and production data to track trends over time.
Lead day-to-day operation of the robotic product packaging line, ensuring order accuracy, operational efficiency, and safety.
Provide hands-on support to the Production Manager in ensuring that all packed orders meet our quality standards.
Identify risks and root causes of machine downtime events and errors; identify and implement solutions in collaboration with internal maintenance staff and external vendors.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve equipment performance, such as reducing cycle time and changeover time, improving organization, reducing exception rates, and eliminating bottlenecks, using structured root-cause tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Pareto analysis) where appropriate.
Develop and maintain startup, operation, shutdown, and maintenance SOP documentation; plan and conduct staff training as needed.
Maintain an organized and tidy production area, following 5S principles and in compliance with GMP and food safety requirements.
Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations (OSHA) and company safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures.
Other duties as assigned.