Engineering Technician - Packaging

The construction of fairlife's manufacturing facility in Webster, NY is underway. This state-of-the-art, 750k sq ft, greenfield plant is expected to be operational in late 2025 and will lay the foundation for fairlife's next phase of growth as the leading dairy nutrition provider. While coupling the industry's latest technologies and fairlife's operational excellence to build this world-class facility, fairlife plans to hire 250 new employees and bring in approximately 5 million lbs. of milk a day, with room to grow over the coming years.

job purpose: The Engineering Technician for packaging is a crucial role within the Engineering Department responsible for ownership of the reliability, improvement and operational expertise across packaging equipment in the Webster facility. They will provide technical solutions and expertise to Operations and Maintenance, to build out and improve the processes and routines across packaging equipment. They will manage and oversee overhaul maintenance, design changes, and standard creation while assisting the team responsible for operational reliability, top loss improvements, and capital projects. This individual will plan, direct, and coordinate team activities including all projects with necessary vendors and in-house resources.

responsibilities:

• Acts as a subject matter expert capable of defining operational standards and maintenance practices for packaging equipment (Sleevers, Case-packers, Palletizers).
• Optimize machine performance and implement corrective, preventive and predictive actions to minimize downtime.
• Enhance operational efficiency by developing and implementing process improvements, leading reliability routines to eliminate machine issues and create/maintain comprehensive documentation (SOPs, PM guidelines, etc.).
• Effectively communicates and collaborates with diverse teams (operators, technicians, engineers, vendors) to troubleshoot issues, lead & implement projects, and ensure seamless production flow.
• Takes ownership of packaging equipment's OEE, lifecycle, tracking parts, managing inventory, executing preventive maintenance, and leading equipment rebuilds/upgrades to maximize performance.
• Leverages data analysis to monitor equipment performance, identify root causes of failures, and implement data-driven improvements to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, proactively identifying and implementing innovative solutions to enhance processes, reduce waste, and drive overall operational excellence.

skills/qualifications required:

• Preferred minimum of 4 years' experience in Consumer Packaging Goods & packaging equipment.
• Exhibits a strong mechanical aptitude, proficient in troubleshooting 90%+ of technical issues.
• Ability to update P&ID's, mechanical/electrical prints.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs.
• Skilled in BDA and RCA initiatives with the ability to lead those initiatives.
• Able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business.
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Aseptic/Dairy experience preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA, State, Federal regulations for a dairy manufacturing facility a plus

working conditions and physical requirements:

• Ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis
• Ability to stand for extended period
• Climb ladders and work at elevations of 75 feet.
• Reaching/bending requirements (if any)
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, etc.)
• Specific atmospheric conditions
• Any other physical requirements

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Engineering & Reliability Manager

travel requirements: 50% to begin than <10%

exempt/nonexempt: nonexempt