Staff Packaging Automation Engineer

 

Consumer Product -- Packaging Automation Staff Engineer 

We are seeking a highly skilled Packaging Automation Staff Engineer to serve as the organization’s subject matter expert (SME) and technical authority in packaging automation. This individual will lead the development and execution of our long‑term automation strategy, applying advanced engineering and scientific principles to deliver a competitive advantage in safety, quality, efficiency, and innovation.

In this role, you will define the future of packaging automation across the company; shaping system standards, driving major capital programs, and mentoring engineering and operations teams. This position offers significant influence, visibility, with a primary emphasis on developing, owning, and leading the company’s packaging automation strategy and technology roadmap.

 

Location: Mason, MI; Horse Cave, KY; or Leola, PA Travel: Will be up to 50% and additional travel may be required during critical projects or business demands (with flexibility for home time).

 

What we are looking for...

• Background in Automation Engineering
• Experience in consumer packaging or similar industries - as strong plus!
• Strong understanding of manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with troubleshooting automation equipment

 

What You'll Do....

• Develop, own, and continuously refine the company’s packaging automation strategy, standards, and multi‑year technology roadmap, including robotics, controls, machine vision, conveying, packaging equipment, and digital/IIoT integration.
• Lead long‑term strategic initiatives that enhance operational performance, sustainability, and automation maturity across all sites.
• Lead and manage multiple complex, multi‑site packaging automation programs from concept and feasibility through design, build, commissioning, and production handoff.
• Provide technical leadership for all aspects of system architecture and integration, including: Mechanical, Electrical, Controls/software, Safety systems, Plant network connectivity.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, reliable, and supportable across all manufacturing locations.
• Establish automation performance metrics and governance structures, including KPIs, OEE drivers, quality/throughput measures, and downtime analysis.
• Use data to identify opportunities, quantify return on investment (ROI), and drive business‑impacting improvements.
• Drive innovation through collaboration with Operations, Quality, Engineering, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and EHS.
• Remove technical barriers, facilitate decision‑making, and guide teams toward successful implementation.
• Ensure all automation solutions comply with regulatory, corporate, and industry safety requirements.
• Lead risk assessments and functional safety reviews, including machine guarding, interlocks, safe‑motion protocols, and validation documentation.
• Develop, maintain, and govern technical documentation and best practices: URS/requirements, System and design reviews, Test plans, SOPs, Training materials, Spare parts and preventive maintenance strategies.  
• Identify, qualify, and manage strategic automation vendors, integrators, and technology partners.Enable repeatable, high‑quality deployments across facilities.
• Set expectations, review system designs, mitigate risks, and ensure effective knowledge transfer to internal teams.
• Continuously research emerging technologies and trends; lead pilot programs and proof‑of‑concept initiatives to evaluate and standardize promising solutions.
• Mentor and train engineers, technicians, and plant teams in packaging automation processes, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.

 

What You'll Need...

• Requires one of the following:
  • Master’s degree with an emphasis in Engineering and ten (10) years of engineering related experience
  • Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Engineering and fifteen (15)  years of engineering related experience
• Advanced knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various products
• Demonstrated mastery in an engineering discipline
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
• Advanced knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principl