Lead Packaging Mechanic (3:30pm-12:00am)

KVK Tech, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus eligibility

401(k) 50% match

Paid time off

Health insurance

Vision, dental, life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Childcare reimbursement

Job summary

KVK Tech, Inc. in Philadelphia is seeking a Lead Packaging Mechanic to oversee setup, operation, and maintenance of oral solid dosage packaging equipment, ensuring reliable, compliant production.

This senior role trains and develops Packaging Mechanics, leads line changes, and works with QA, Packaging, and Facilities & Engineering to optimize performance. Requires 5+ years in GMP packaging and strong troubleshooting; on-site, evening shift.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a Packaging Mechanic role within a GMP environment.
• Strong experience with automated or semi-automated packaging equipment.
• Experience as senior/lead mechanic or trainer is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, adjust, and troubleshoot packaging lines.
• Lead line changeovers and ensure QA line clearance readiness.
• Diagnose mechanical issues and minimize downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance and document work per GDP.
• Train and mentor Packaging Mechanics on setup, changeovers, and best practices.
• Support skill development and enforce floor standards across shifts.
• Coordinate troubleshooting and assist packaging personnel during production.
• Maintain line cleanliness and data integrity per 5S and GMP.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading manuals

Troubleshooting

GMP compliance

Equipment setup

Changeovers

Training & mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation accuracy

Pneumatics/servo controls

Education

High school diploma

Trade school preferred

Tools

Packaging machinery

Job description

The Lead Packaging Mechanic is responsible for the setup, operation, adjustment, troubleshooting, and maintenance of oral solid dosage (OSD) pharmaceutical packaging equipment while serving as a senior technical resource on the packaging floor. This role helps ensure packaging lines run efficiently, safely, and within validated parameters to support high-quality output and regulatory compliance. In addition to performing changeovers, preventive maintenance, and mechanical troubleshooting, the Lead Packaging Mechanic plays a critical leadership role in training and developing Packaging Mechanics, supporting skill development across the team, reinforcing best practices, and helping build stronger mechanical bench strength within the department. This position partners closely with Quality Assurance, Packaging, and Facilities & Engineering to maintain reliable packaging operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, adjust, and troubleshoot packaging equipment including unscramblers, bottle fillers, cottoners, desiccant feeders, induction sealers, retorquers, labelers, outserters, and case sealers.
• Lead and execute line changeovers according to approved setup sheets, ensuring accurate component installation and readiness for QA line clearance.
• Diagnose mechanical issues in real time, identify root causes, and perform timely corrective actions to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and mechanical repairs; document all work in equipment logbooks in compliance with GDP requirements.
• Serve as a core trainer and mentor for Packaging Mechanics, providing structured hands-on training in equipment setup, changeovers, troubleshooting, mechanical adjustments, safe operation, and packaging best practices.
• Support the development of Packaging Mechanics by reinforcing technical standards on the floor, helping close skill gaps, and promoting consistency in mechanical performance across shifts.
• Serve as a lead technical presence on the floor, helping coordinate troubleshooting efforts and supporting packaging personnel during active production.
• Maintain line cleanliness, equipment condition, and compliance with 5S, contamination control, and data integrity expectations.

What We’re Looking For

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience as a Packaging Mechanic in a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or other regulated GMP manufacturing environment required.
• Strong experience with automated or semi-automated bottle and/or blister packaging equipment is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience serving as a senior mechanic, lead mechanic, trainer, or informal floor lead is highly desirable.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Trade school, vocational training, or coursework in mechanical maintenance, industrial maintenance, or a related field is preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, drawings, and setup diagrams.
• Advanced troubleshooting ability in a high-speed packaging environment.
• Knowledge of cGMP, GDP, and FDA regulatory expectations for pharmaceutical packaging operations.
• Proficiency in equipment setup, changeover, troubleshooting, and mechanical repair.
• Demonstrated ability to train and develop Packaging Mechanics in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with electro-mechanical systems, pneumatics, conveyors, and servo-driven controls is preferred.
• Ability to help direct floor-level mechanical priorities and support less experienced team members.
• Strong commitment to documentation accuracy, data integrity, and SOP adherence.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Engineering.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with annual performance bonus eligibility
• Annual merit-based pay increases
• Automatic enrollment in a 401(k) at 3% pre-tax with 50% company match on the first 6% contributed
• Paid Time Off
• 10 paid company holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Tuition reimbursement for children and childcare expense reimbursement

Schedule

• Full-time, on-site position (M-F 3:30 PM-12:00 AM)