Packaging Line Engineer

WATERSHED FOODS LLC•Gridley, IL

2d•$100,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Packaging Line Engineer to oversee the implementation, optimization, and ongoing management of a horizontal form, fill, and seal (HFFS) packaging line within our food production facility. This role will be critical in ensuring the seamless integration and peak performance of all equipment in the packaging line, including HFFS baggers, conveyors, case erectors, case packers, and robotic palletizers. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with a hands-on approach to maintain operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

Expertise in horizontal form, fill, and seal (HFFS) machinery and related automation systems is a plus.
Strong understanding of conveyors, case erectors, case packers, robotic palletizers, and integrated packaging lines.
Proficiency in diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic issues.
Strong understanding of industrial control systems.
Ability to spend sit, stand, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and work at height.
Ability to exert and/or lift up to 50lbs occasionally.
Visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, thoroughness, variances in product (including color vision).
Ability to work in extreme environmental conditions (from very cold to very hot).

Responsibilities

Help lead the installation, and commissioning of the HFFS packaging line and associated equipment, ensuring all systems meet production and quality requirements.
Collaborate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and internal teams, and help to document all technical specifications and operational protocols for the packaging line.
Help develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training materials for the HFFS system and supporting equipment.
Manage the performance of all packaging equipment, ensuring that settings, calibration, adjustments, optimize efficiency, quality, and product safety.
Ability to configure and manage all HMI/equipment settings and recipes.
Develop and train operators on all systems, settings and calibrations for each piece of equipment to ensure that the entire packaging line is flowing at peak performance.
Serve as the technical expert for HFFS equipment and lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts to address operational challenges.
Develop and implement the preventative maintenance plan.
Help with troubleshooting, and repairs to minimize packaging line downtime.
Help develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, uptime, and reject rates to ensure peak equipment performance.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance equipment reliability, reduce waste, and improve packaging efficiency.
Evaluate new technologies and methods to maintain a state-of-the-art packaging operation.
Develop and execute capital projects related to packaging line upgrades and expansions.
Train and support operators and maintenance staff to ensure proper use and care of the equipment.
Work closely with quality, production, and maintenance teams to maintain high safety and food quality standards.
Communicate effectively with management to report on performance metrics, improvement initiatives, and project status.