Automation Line Operator Lead - Week Night

utzexternalcareer1; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Utz Quality Foods is seeking an Automation Line Operator Lead for our Kindig Lane facility. This full-time role runs Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 5:30 AM, with overtime as needed to support production demand.

You will lead day-to-day operations, monitor performance, and support the operation and basic maintenance of robotic palletizers and conveyors that move product cases. Join a fast-paced, innovative team and help drive continuous improvement.

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.
• Monitor system indicators (box count, pallet output, sensor flags, etc.) to track performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Routinely communicate opportunities to improve safety, quality, and service levels from the equipment and processes.

Skills

Automation & robotics

Attention to detail

Communication

Forklift cert

Barcode scanners

Lean or Six Sigma (plus)

PLC knowledge (bonus)

Mechanical & electrical basics

Tools

HMI

Redzone

Job description

Ready to take your manufacturing career to the next level with cutting-edge automation? Join the team at Utz Quality Foods as an Automation Line Operator Lead at our Kindig Lane facility. This is a full-time role working Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 5:30 AM, with overtime as needed to support production demand. You'll be a part of a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment where your technical skills and attention to detail help power the future of snack food production.

As an Automation Line Operator Lead, you’ll serve as the primary point of contact on the line—leading day-to-day operations, monitoring performance, and supporting the operation and basic maintenance of robotic palletizers and conveyor systems that stack and move product cases. You’ll help keep production running safely and efficiently, support and guide team members, and partner with leadership to address issues and drive continuous improvement, all while working with a strong team and having opportunities to grow.

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.

Requirements:

• 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
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures/schedules
• Good written and verbal communication skills and a team-focused attitude
• Forklift or pallet jack certification
• Familiarity with barcode scanners, vision systems, and label printers
• Awareness of Lean or Six Sigma practices is a plus
• Knowledge of PLC systems or programming languages is a bonus
• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical automation systems
• Ability to stand and walk for 8–12 hours per shift
• Work in a production environment with noise, heat, and moving machinery

Our Recruitment Process

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.