Automation Technician

Overview

Position: Packaging Systems and Automation Engineer

Schedule: Monday to Friday (Flexibility Required)

Shift

Hours:

8:00pm – 5:00am (Flexibility Required)

Location: Vista, CA

Job Type: Direct Hire

The Packaging Systems and Automation Engineer is responsible for evaluating, designing, implementing, and continuously improving automated packaging systems for soft gel bottling, liquid filling, and gummy packaging lines. This role will lead equipment upgrades, automation projects, and packaging technology improvements to increase line speed, reduce waste, maximize OEE, and support future growth through capacity expansion. This engineer will work closely with the production, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure equipment runs reliably and efficiently, while coaching and training operators on best practices.

This role helps build a world-class packaging operation that is lean, scalable, and technologically advanced.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Packaging Equipment and Automation

• Lead automation and systems engineering initiatives for bottling, labeling, capping, induction sealing, shrink bundling, case packing, liquid filling, and gummy packaging lines.
• Specify, source, and install state-of-the-art packaging equipment, robotics, and control systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility.
• Work closely with OEMs and integrators on equipment design, FAT, installation, commissioning (IQ/OQ/PQ), and training.
• Standardize and integrate PLC, HMI, SCADA and sensor-based control systems for consistent and automated performance monitoring.

Line Performance & Process Improvement

• Analyze packaging line bottlenecks and implement engineering solutions to increase line speed, reduce scrap, and improve throughput without compromising quality.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and OEE tracking to boost packaging line reliability and uptime.
• Develop and implement changeover reduction strategies (e.g., SMED) to improve packaging flexibility and responsiveness.

Capacity Expansion & Technology Strategy

• Lead or support capital projects related to new line installations, facility upgrades, or automation expansions.
• Develop packaging system strategies aligned with company growth plans and industry advancements in digital manufacturing.
• Benchmark and recommend next-generation packaging technologies for vitamins, supplements, and liquid products.
• Partner with Maintenance and Operations teams to implement robust preventive and predictive maintenance plans for all packaging assets.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime, quality deviations, or efficiency loss.
• Create technical documentation including equipment specifications, SOPs, and maintenance instructions.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statements

• Positive – Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.
• Innovative – Ability to look beyond the standard solutions and “think outside the box”.
• Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Enthusiastic – Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.
• Friendly – Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others.
• Initiative – Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Reliability – The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering is a must.

Experience:

• 7+ years of hands-on experience with packaging and production line systems automation in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement or food industries.
• Hands-on experience with bottling lines, liquid filling machines, labelers, case packers, and other downstream packaging equipment.
• Experience with…