Equipment Engineer

West Leland Group; South Carolina; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

West Leland Group is seeking an Equipment Engineer to support new packaging line installations and equipment improvement initiatives in a regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with liquid filling and automated packaging equipment, and can manage projects from design through startup and performance improvement.

This role emphasizes commissioning, startup activities, OEE analysis, and cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Operations,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience designing, installing, or starting up new manufacturing or packaging lines.
• Experience within food, beverage, pharmaceutical, consumer products, or other liquid manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with filling and automated packaging equipment such as case packers, palletizers, conveyors, or related systems.
• Experience with OEE, equipment performance improvement, commissioning, or startup activities.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a plus.
• Familiarity with automation and controls, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, or related technologies, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support new packaging line projects from equipment design and selection through installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Work with filling equipment, case packers, palletizers, conveyors, and other automated packaging systems.
• Develop equipment requirements and specifications while evaluating equipment for performance, reliability, and integration with manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, vendors, contractors, and internal teams throughout equipment installation and implementation.
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and equipment qualification activities for new and upgraded equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls-related equipment issues during startup and ongoing production.
• Analyze OEE and line performance to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and address recurring equipment issues.
• Support equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects across manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain to support equipment readiness and production needs.

Skills

Manufacturing equipment design

Startup/commissioning

OEE analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Packaging/Mechanical

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Sensors

Packaging equipment

Job description

West Leland Group is partnering with an established pharmaceutical manufacturer to identify an Equipment Engineer to support new packaging line installations and equipment improvement initiatives within a regulated manufacturing environment.

This opportunity is ideal for an Engineer with experience bringing new manufacturing or packaging equipment online. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with liquid filling and automated packaging equipment and is comfortable working across the equipment lifecycle from design and installation through startup and performance improvement.

What You'll Do

• Support new packaging line projects from equipment design and selection through installation, commissioning, and startup
• Work with filling equipment, case packers, palletizers, conveyors, and other automated packaging systems
• Develop equipment requirements and specifications while evaluating equipment for performance, reliability, and integration with manufacturing operations
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, vendors, contractors, and internal teams throughout equipment installation and implementation
• Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and equipment qualification activities for new and upgraded equipment
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls-related equipment issues during startup and ongoing production
• Analyze OEE and line performance to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and address recurring equipment issues
• Support equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects across manufacturing operations
• Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain to support equipment readiness and production needs

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Experience designing, installing, or starting up new manufacturing or packaging lines
• Experience within food, beverage, pharmaceutical, consumer products, or another liquid manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience with filling and automated packaging equipment such as case packers, palletizers, conveyors, or related systems
• Experience with OEE, equipment performance improvement, commissioning, or startup activities
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a plus
• Familiarity with automation and controls, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, or related technologies, is a plus

Why This Role

• Take a hands-on role in the design, installation, and startup of new manufacturing and packaging lines
• Work with a variety of automated equipment while solving real-world engineering and production challenges
• Join an established pharmaceutical manufacturer investing in its equipment, automation, and manufacturing capabilities

About West Leland Group

West Leland Group is a boutique search firm specializing in Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, and Medical Affairs roles across medical device, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical organizations. We partner with innovative companies to build high-performing, scientifically grounded teams. Thoughtful Search. Purposeful Hiring.

This search is being managed by West Leland Group on behalf of our client. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This is a direct-hire position with a client organization offering competitive compensation and benefits.