Night Shift Automation Operator — Robotics & Packaging

Utz Quality Foods, LLC; Hanover (York County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401k match

Profit sharing plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

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

You will operate, monitor, and maintain robotic palletizers and conveyors, ensuring safe, efficient production with a focus on quality. Prior automation exposure helps, and forklift certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of manufacturing or food packaging experience.
• Technical training in automation or robotics is a plus.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Automation/robotics basics

HMI operation

Forklift certification

Attention to detail

Tools

HMI interfaces

Conveyor systems

Robotic palletizers

Barcode scanners

Vision systems

PLC knowledge

Job description

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

You will operate, monitor, and maintain robotic palletizers and conveyors, ensuring safe, efficient production with a focus on quality. Prior automation exposure helps, and forklift certification is a plus.