Automation Line Operator - Weekend Days

utzexternalcareer1; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Utz Quality Foods in Pennsylvania is seeking an Automation Line Operator for our Kindig Lane facility. This full-time role runs Fri–Sun, 5:30 AM–5:30 PM, with overtime as needed to meet production needs.

You will operate, monitor, and maintain robotic palletizers, conveyors, and related automation equipment to keep lines running safely and efficiently. You will use HMIs to start/stop and troubleshoot, perform daily checks, and coordinate with QA, maintenance, and packaging teams.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing or food packaging.
• Technical training in automation or robotics is a plus but not required.
• Forklift certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automated systems to minimize downtime.
• Use HMIs to start, stop, reset, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Ensure correct case orientation and stacking per SKU.
• Monitor production indicators to track performance.
• Clear jams and alarms safely and restart systems.
• Perform daily equipment checks and cleaning at shift start/end.
• Maintain cleanliness in the automation area and assist with maintenance.
• Collaborate with QA, maintenance and packaging teams.

Skills

Automation

Robotics

HMI operation

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Team communication

Lean Sigma knowledge

Forklift certification

Education

Technical training in automation or robotics

Tools

PLC systems

Vision systems

Barcode scanners

Label printers

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 at our Kindig Lane facility. This is a full-time role working Friday through Sunday from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 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, you’ll be the go-to person for operating, monitoring, and maintaining robotic palletizers and conveyor systems that handle and stack product cases. You’ll keep production running smoothly and safely, all while working with a great team and having real opportunities to grow.

Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor automated systems to ensure top performance with minimal downtime
• 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)
• Communicate and collaborate with QA, maintenance, and packaging teams
• 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.