Packaging Equipment Operator

Work Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Experience Required: 3 – 15 Years

Compensation: USD 60,000 – 85,000 (Equivalent to $30–$43/hour)

Eligibility: US Citizen / Green Card Holder / H1-B Transferable

Job Overview

We are seeking skilled and reliable Packaging Mechanics to join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in Manassas, Virginia. This role focuses on the setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of high-speed bottle packaging lines used for tablet, capsule, and nutraceutical product packaging.

The Packaging Mechanic ensures maximum equipment uptime, quality, and compliance in a GMP-regulated environment, while also supporting preventive maintenance and training operators on safe machine operations.

This is a hands-on role ideal for experienced mechanics who have worked in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, or cosmetics manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform setup, changeover, and preventive maintenance on automated bottle packaging equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical issues on packaging systems.
• Conduct line changeovers quickly and efficiently to meet production schedules.
• Operate and troubleshoot various packaging line components such as:
• Bottle unscrambler
• Electronic tablet counter
• Slat filler
• Capper & cap induction sealer
• Labeler
• Neck/body bander
• Heat shrink tunnel
• Cartoner
• Case packer & taper
• QR code printer, tray/case forming systems
• Perform preventive maintenance and complete work orders in compliance with GMP and SOP standards.
• Use hand tools, meters, and diagnostic devices to service equipment and systems.
• Assist in equipment installations, modifications, and line improvement projects.
• Train packaging operators on safe, effective equipment operation and cleaning.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Maintain accurate maintenance documentation, batch logs, and inspection records.
  
  

Must-Have Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience maintaining bottle packaging lines (setup, repair, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting).
• Minimum 2 years in a pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, or cosmetic manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, line changeovers, and pneumatic operations.
• Basic English communication (reading, speaking, and writing).
• Ability to read blueprints, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings.
• Skilled in using hand tools, calipers, micrometers, and diagnostic meters (Volt/Ohm Meter).
• Familiar with cGMP standards and manufacturing documentation requirements.
• Reliable, safety-conscious, and capable of working independently or in a team.
  
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• PLC troubleshooting experience (basic to intermediate).
• Previous experience with tablet or capsule bottle packaging in FDA-regulated environments.
• General computer proficiency for maintenance records and reporting.
• Experience with continuous improvement or Lean maintenance principles.
  
  

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs regularly, occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Stand and walk on the production floor for 7 hours per shift.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, and working on elevated surfaces.
• Work performed inside manufacturing areas with moderate temperature, noise, and occasional chemical exposure.
• Must wear all PPE including gown, gloves, mask, safety glasses, and safety shoes.