Job Title: Packaging and Labeling Automation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Packaging and Labeling Automation Engineer Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire packaging and labeling automation process in manufacturing environments. This role involves leading a team of engineers and technicians to design, implement, optimize, and maintain automated packaging and labeling systems, ensuring production efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance. The manager will be responsible for strategic planning, project management, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving continuous improvement efforts across packaging and labeling systems to align with company goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
- Manage a team of packaging and labeling automation engineers and technicians, providing guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
- Set team goals, monitor performance, conduct performance reviews, and lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of automated systems.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability within the packaging and labeling automation team.
System Design and Optimization:
- Lead the design and optimization of packaging and labeling automation systems, including PLC programming, robotics, conveyors, labeling machines, and other related equipment.
- Oversee the development and implementation of automation strategies aimed at improving system efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring product quality.
- Identify and implement opportunities for continuous process improvements, including upgrading existing equipment and integrating new technologies.
Project Management and Execution:
- Manage multiple packaging and labeling automation projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet all technical and operational requirements.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, IT, and maintenance, to integrate automation systems into existing production lines.
- Monitor project progress, manage resources, and ensure that automation systems are aligned with production goals and business objectives.
Troubleshooting and System Maintenance:
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex issues with automated packaging and labeling systems, including PLC failures, robotic system malfunctions, and label accuracy problems.
- Establish preventive maintenance schedules and ensure routine calibration and maintenance of all packaging and labeling automation systems to minimize downtime.
- Develop and implement solutions to prevent reoccurrence of system failures and inefficiencies.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all packaging and labeling automation systems comply with industry regulations, including safety, quality, and environmental standards (e.g., FDA, GMP, ISO).
- Oversee the documentation of packaging and labeling systems, including system configurations, maintenance logs, and quality control records to meet regulatory compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with quality assurance and compliance teams to ensure product labeling accuracy and adherence to all regulatory requirements.
Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis:
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for packaging and labeling systems to measure performance, such as downtime, throughput, labeling accuracy, and system reliability.
- Lead the analysis of production data, identifying trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in packaging and labeling processes.
- Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management based on data analysis, driving strategic decision-making and process improvements.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the performance of packaging and labeling systems using methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
- Lead innovation efforts by exploring and integrating new technologies, such as AI-driven packaging systems, robotics, and IoT, to optimize packaging and labeling processes.
- Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to continuously improve the packaging and labeling automation systems.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Collaborate with production, engineering, IT, and operations teams to ensure the smooth integration of automated systems into production workflows.
- Work with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure that packaging and labeling systems meet production schedules and deadlines.
- Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers to source materials and equipment necessary for packaging and labeling automation.
Resource and Budget Management:
- Manage budgets for packaging and labeling automation projects, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Track project expenses and ensure that the project remains within financial constraints while achieving project goals.
- Oversee the procurement and management of equipment, parts, and materials for packaging and labeling automation systems.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive experience in the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of automated packaging and labeling systems, including PLCs, robotics, conveyors, and labeling machines.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets, schedules, and team resources for automation projects.
- In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements for packaging and labeling, including FDA, GMP, ISO 9001, and other relevant standards.
- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
- Proficiency in PLC programming and control systems, as well as experience with SCADA systems and industrial automation software.
- Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to motivate teams and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Expertise in data analysis and performance monitoring to drive continuous improvement and optimize automation processes.
- Familiarity with emerging technologies in packaging automation, such as AI, IoT, and machine learning, and their applications in packaging and labeling.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt), PLC programming, or project management are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in packaging and labeling automation, industrial automation, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Proven experience managing complex automation projects, troubleshooting issues, and leading cross-functional teams in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
- Strong track record of driving process optimization, improving system performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance in packaging and labeling operations.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in PLC programming software (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
- Experience with SCADA platforms (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition) and industrial control systems.
- Familiarity with robotics programming, vision systems, and packaging machinery.
- Knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, Minitab) for performance monitoring and decision-making.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and influence teams at all levels.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while ensuring that quality, safety, and regulatory standards are met.
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites for system implementation, troubleshooting, or optimization as needed.