_{24th June, 2025}

Our client in Vista, California, is seeking a Packaging Systems and Automation Engineer to join their team!

This is an onsite/full-time/direct hire position
Salary based on experience: $140K - $165K
 
The Packaging Systems and Automation Engineer is responsible for evaluating, designing, implementing, and continuously improving automated packaging systems for softgel bottling, liquid filling, and gummy packaging lines. This individual 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 also coaching and training operators on best practices. This role plays a key part in building a world-class packaging operation that is lean, scalable, and technologically advanced.

 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Essential Function Statement(s)
 
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.

 
Collaboration & Support

• 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

• 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: A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or 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 vision inspection systems, servo drives, robotics (pick & place, palletizers), and conveyor systems.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI/SCADA systems configuration, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with robotic systems (e.g., ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa) integration and programming.
• Hands-on experience with automation and control of CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, including validation and optimization of cleaning cycles.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT devices, smart factory solutions, and data analytics platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to improving equipment, processes, and cleaning systems.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and IT teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
• LEAN Certification (e.g: Green Belt / Black Belt) is highly preferred.

 
Computer Skills:

• PLC Programming Software (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider EcoStruxure)
• HMI and SCADA Software (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition by Inductive Automation, Wonderware, GE iFIX)
• Industrial Networking and Protocols (e.g., configuring Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP networks)
• Robotics Programming Tools (e.g., ABB RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, Yaskawa MotoSim)
• CAD Software for reviewing mechanical and electrical layouts (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN)
• Simulation and Modeling Tools (e.g., Siemens Process Simulate, Arena Simulation for manufacturing flow)
• Data Acquisition and Analysis Tools (e.g., OSIsoft PI System, SQL databases, Excel advanced functions/macros)
• MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) or ERP Systems (understanding integration with SAP, Oracle, or specialized MES platforms)
• Programming/Scripting Skills (optional)
• CMMS and Maintenance Software (for asset management and predictive maintenance) (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep, IBM Maximo)
• CIP System Automation Software (controlled through PLC/SCADA — familiarity with setting up/optimizing automated CIP recipes and sequences)

 
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual based on race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

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