Packaging Mechanic

GRIT STAFFING; Wayne (NJ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions in Wayne, NJ, seeks a Packaging Mechanic to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair packaging equipment, ensuring uptime in a regulated manufacturing environment. This hands-on role requires mechanical and electrical knowledge, preventive maintenance, and strong safety practices.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of experience with packaging machinery, knowledge of mechanical/electrical systems, and the ability to support line changeovers while adhering to cGMP standards

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience repairing and maintaining packaging equipment or industrial machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, preventive maintenance, and changeovers.
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and workplace safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, gauges, tables, and equipment documentation.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably cGMP regulated.
• Availability to work 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift and overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform Preventive Maintenance on packaging equipment to minimize downtime and maintain reliability.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and equipment-related issues to restore proper operation.
• Support line changeovers, machine adjustments, and setup activities to meet production requirements.
• Notify supervisors of breakdowns exceeding 20 minutes and assist with timely resolution.
• Maintain packaging systems including coding, labeling, filling, and inspection equipment as applicable.
• Ensure cGMP compliance and follow established procedures and environmental requirements.
• Follow LOTO and other safety practices; identify and report hazards.
• Coordinate with production teams to communicate equipment issues and maintenance needs.
• Keep tools and work areas organized and demonstrate quality workmanship and ownership of tasks.
• Support production operations to maintain efficient production flow.

Skills

Packaging equipment maintenance

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Reading technical diagrams

LOTO safety

Teamwork & communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Allen-Bradley HMI

VFD systems

IWK cartoners

Hitachi inkjet coders

Cognex vision QC

Job description

Role Overview:

The Packaging Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing packaging equipment to ensure reliable operation and minimize production downtime. This is a hands‑on role requiring mechanical and electrical knowledge, preventive maintenance skills, and the ability to support equipment changeovers in a regulated manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience maintaining industrial packaging machinery, troubleshooting equipment issues, and following established safety and quality procedures.

This position is available on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift, with overtime, extended hours, and weekend work as needed to support production demands.

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3-5 years of hands‑on experience repairing and maintaining packaging equipment or industrial machinery, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, preventive maintenance, equipment adjustments, and changeovers.
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and workplace safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, gauges, tables, and equipment documentation.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably in a regulated or cGMP-compliant facility.
• Availability to work 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift, depending on the assigned schedule.
• Flexibility to work overtime, extended hours, and weekends as needed.

Personal Attributes / Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail when performing equipment maintenance, repairs, and adjustments.
• Technical school certification or related technical training preferred.
• Familiarity with machine shop equipment, hand tools, and maintenance tools.
• Familiarity with packaging equipment, including IWK, Jones, and Uhlmann cartoners; Hitachi, Videojet, and Domino inkjet coders; Herma, NJM, and Label‑Aire labelers; IPS and MPS slat fillers; and Keyence and Cognex vision QC/QA systems preferred.
• Familiarity with Allen‑Bradley HMI and VFD systems preferred.
• Effective communication and teamwork when coordinating with production personnel and supervisors.
• Accountability and ownership of assigned maintenance tasks.
• Commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, and quality standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Bending, reaching, and handling tools while inspecting, adjusting, and repairing equipment.
• Hands‑on work around packaging machinery, moving equipment, and industrial materials.
• Repetitive maintenance tasks and equipment adjustments throughout the shift.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with plant safety procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform Preventive Maintenance: Conduct routine inspections and scheduled maintenance on packaging equipment to minimize downtime and maintain reliability.
• Troubleshoot and Repair Equipment: Diagnose mechanical and equipment‑related issues and perform repairs to restore proper operation.
• Support Equipment Changeovers: Assist with line changeovers, machine adjustments, and setup activities to meet production requirements.
• Maintain Equipment Performance: Notify supervisors of breakdowns exceeding 20 minutes and support timely resolution.
• Maintain Packaging Systems: Support the maintenance and troubleshooting of packaging machinery, including coding, labeling, filling, and inspection equipment as applicable.
• Ensure cGMP Compliance: Perform maintenance activities in accordance with cGMP standards, established procedures, and applicable environmental requirements.
• Follow Safety Procedures: Apply LOTO and other required safety practices; identify and report hazards or unsafe equipment conditions.
• Coordinate with Production Teams: Communicate equipment issues, maintenance needs, and operational updates to supervisors and production personnel.
• Maintain Work Standards: Keep tools and work areas organized and demonstrate quality workmanship, accountability, and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Support Production Operations: Respond to equipment issues and complete maintenance tasks promptly to help maintain efficient production flow.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail] so we can assist you.