Equipment Set Up Technician

Spectrum Brands; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Brands is hiring an Equipment Set Up Technician in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in Blacksburg, VA. You will perform machine set-ups, changeovers, tooling adjustments, and equipment modifications to meet production needs and quickly troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime.

You will support production uptime, participate in lean initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure quality products.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• About 1 year in manufacturing or similar mechanical/technical role preferred.
• Experience with machine set-ups, changeovers, troubleshooting or adjustments preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to diagnose and resolve issues.
• Ability to read and interpret SOPs, manuals, and job aids.
• Familiarity with cGMP and safety standards is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills for fast-paced shifts.
• Ability to prioritize tasks across multiple production areas.

Responsibilities

• Model Spectrum Brands' values and support safety, quality and teamwork.
• Perform machine set-ups, changeovers, tooling adjustments, and modifications.
• Monitor, test, troubleshoot, and diagnose equipment issues with appropriate tools.
• Resolve operational and mechanical issues quickly to minimize downtime.
• Maintain knowledge of production equipment, SOPs, cGMP, and safety standards.
• Ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs per procedures.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with Team Coordinators, Supervisors, Maintenance and Production.
• Assist with packaging validations, line trials, equipment testing, and projects.
• Prioritize workflow and align with department goals and business needs.
• Communicate clearly across shifts to maintain production continuity.
• Promote lean manufacturing and new technologies or equipment implementations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Machinery maintenance

Equipment analysis

Process improvement

Waste reduction

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Division Information

The Pet Care division of Spectrum Brands is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with a strong network of manufacturing, distribution, and sales operations across the United States and around the world. We are passionate about improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, supporting households with dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish, and reptiles.

Our trusted portfolio includes industry-leading brands such as Tetra, Instant Ocean, Marineland, 8-in-1, Dingo, FURminator, Nature's Miracle, GloFish, DreamBone, and SmartBones-brands pet owners rely on for quality, innovation, and trusted results.

At Spectrum Brands, you'll be part of a team that values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Job Summary

The Equipment Set Up Technician is responsible for performing product changeovers, machine set-ups, tooling adjustments, and equipment modifications to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations. Working in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and safety standards, this role ensures machinery is properly configured to meet production requirements and quickly troubleshoots operational issues during product runs to minimize downtime.

This position plays a key role in supporting production workflow by coordinating equipment readiness, assisting team members across essential functions, and helping drive continuous improvement within the department. The Equipment Set Up Technician is responsible for prioritizing workflow in assigned areas, maintaining operational efficiency, and supporting the shift team through structured lean manufacturing practices and effective day-to-day execution.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Model Spectrum Brands' values and behaviors while supporting a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Perform machine set-ups, product changeovers, tooling adjustments, and equipment modifications to support production requirements.
• Monitor, test, troubleshoot, and diagnose machinery or equipment issues using appropriate tools, testing devices, manuals, and technical resources.
• Resolve operational and mechanical issues quickly and effectively, including equipment malfunctions, process disruptions, and operator-related issues, to minimize downtime.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, SOPs, cGMP requirements, and safety standards.
• Ensure production equipment is operating safely, efficiently, and producing quality products with minimal supervision.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks and minor equipment repairs in accordance with established procedures, job aids, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Support production uptime and efficiency by identifying opportunities for process improvements, equipment enhancements, and waste reduction.
• Partner with Team Coordinators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and Production teams to improve line performance, troubleshoot recurring issues, and implement operational improvements.
• Assist with packaging validations, line trials, equipment testing, and special projects related to process optimization or new product implementation.
• Effectively prioritize workflow and manage assigned responsibilities to align with departmental production goals and business needs.
• Maintain clear and effective communication across shifts and within the department to ensure operational continuity and awareness of production priorities.
• Promote lean manufacturing principles through continuous improvement efforts, simplification of processes, elimination of non-value-added activities, and support for new technologies or equipment implementation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while proactively identifying and addressing unsafe conditions.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve company goals related to safety, quality, production performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide support in other departments or operational areas as needed based on business demands.

Education and Experience Profile

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a manufacturing environment or a similar mechanical/technical role preferred.
• Experience with machine set-ups, changeovers, troubleshooting, or equipment adjustments preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment or process-related issues.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, SOPs, technical manuals, and job aids.
• Familiarity with cGMP, safety standards, or regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate across shifts and departments.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workflow, and adapt to changing production needs.

Required Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment, identify issues, and make effective adjustments or minor repairs.
• Working knowledge of machines, tools, equipment functionality, maintenance practices, and repair techniques.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow, and quality control principles preferred.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement concepts, efficiency optimization, and waste reduction in a production environment preferred.
• Awareness of cost-effective manufacturing practices and techniques that support efficient production and distribution of goods is a plus.
• Ability to analyze equipment performance and identify opportunities for process or operational improvements.

Work Environment

• Ability to perform repetitive motions and tasks throughout the shift.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the production environment for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work across multiple shifts, including overtime as needed to support business demands.
• Required to wear all prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to hearing protection, safety glasses, respirators, and steel-toed footwear.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, production equipment, noise, and standard industrial conditions.

The hourly range for this role is $20.95 to $32.06. An employee's pay within the hourly range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographical location, and business or organizational needs. This position is not eligible for an annual merit increase, incentive compensation, or a comprehensive benefits package. For additional information concerning our benefits visit our Benefits and Career Development page athttps://www.spectrumbrands.com/careers.html .