Automation Line Lead - Fri-Sun 12h Shifts

Utz Quality Foods, Inc; Hanover (York County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

Employer 401k match

Profit sharing plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Utz Quality Foods in Hanover is seeking an Automation Line Operator for a Friday–Sunday 5:30 AM–5:30 PM shift, with overtime as needed. You’ll monitor and maintain robotic palletizers and conveyors, support daily operations, and guide team members to ensure safe, efficient production.

Responsibilities include supervising automation staff, communicating across shifts, tracking key metrics, and performing routine equipment checks, jams clearances, and basic maintenance.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in manufacturing or food packaging preferred.
• Technical training in automation or robotics is a plus, but not required.
• Comfortable working with robotic arms, conveyors, and automated systems.
• Basic understanding of alarms, machine interfaces, and troubleshooting methods.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe operation of the Automation area by verifying that all Lock Out Tag Out procedures and safety protocols are observed by personnel
• Supervise and deploy Automation Operators, Jackpot Lane Operators, and Forklift Material Handlers during shift
• Serve as the primary point of contact during assigned shifts to facilitate communication between leaders of P3, P4, and the RDC Operation in order to effectively address issues related to Automation operations
• Responsible for key metrics identified
• Responsible for ensuring completion and movement of RAF's pallets to RDC at end of shift
• Monitor system indicators (box count, pallet output, sensor flags, etc.) to track performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Oversee daily equipment inspections and cleaning procedures at the beginning of and conclusion of each shift
• Accountable for ensuring compliance with the 5's standards within the designated area.
• Assist with recommending changes to case dimensions, fill/count levels, and pallet configurations that would improve the reliability of the palletizing operation
• Routinely communicate opportunities to improve safety, quality, and service levels from the equipment and processes
• Responsible for completion of all operator care tasks and accurate documentation
• Use Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) to start, stop, reset, and troubleshoot equipment
• Ensure correct case orientation and stacking patterns based on SKU/customer requirements
• Monitor system indicators (box count, pallet output, sensor flags, etc.) to track performance
• Clear jams and alarms safely and quickly; restart the system when needed
• Perform daily equipment checks and cleaning at the start and end of each shift
• Maintain cleanliness in the automation area (sensors, sweep zones, trash removal)
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and all safety protocols
• Report and log mechanical issues and downtime events through Redzone
• Perform light maintenance and assist with troubleshooting equipment issues.

Skills

Robotics knowledge

Conveyor systems

HMI operation

PLC familiarity

Mechanical understanding

Electrical understanding

Safety procedures

Attention to detail

Team communication

Education

Technical training in automation or robotics

Tools

Palletizers

Conveyor systems

Barcode scanners

Vision systems

Label printers

Forklift certification

Job description

Utz Quality Foods in Hanover is seeking an Automation Line Operator for a Friday–Sunday 5:30 AM–5:30 PM shift, with overtime as needed. You’ll monitor and maintain robotic palletizers and conveyors, support daily operations, and guide team members to ensure safe, efficient production.

Responsibilities include supervising automation staff, communicating across shifts, tracking key metrics, and performing routine equipment checks, jams clearances, and basic maintenance.