Automated Filling & Packaging Lead

HiFyve is hiring an Automated Filling & Packaging Lead in Wichita, KS!

Pay: $23 - $25/hour + 3% annual bonus Shift: 1st Shift | Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-2:30 PM | 30-minute lunch Location: Wichita, KS Benefits: Full benefits package | Overtime available

About the Role The Automated Filling & Packaging Lead oversees daily production performance, equipment setup, and troubleshooting of automated and semi-automated filling and packaging systems. This hands-on technical leadership role primarily supports automated grease cartridge filling lines while assisting with PLC/HMI controls, equipment adjustments, operator training, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position focuses on maintaining equipment reliability, product quality, safety, and production efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead daily setup, operation, troubleshooting, and production execution of two automated grease cartridge filling and packaging lines
• Monitor PLC/HMI controls, equipment sequencing, sensors, actuators, alarms, and interlocks to identify and resolve equipment issues
• Manage approved PLC recipes, HMI settings, and operating parameters while documenting authorized adjustments and verifying results
• Provide technical support for pail and drum fillers, bottling equipment, automated labeling, pallet conveyors, and shrink-wrapping systems
• Verify equipment readiness, product specifications, packaging materials, and bill of materials (BOM) requirements before production and changeovers
• Monitor fill weights, capping, carton counts, packaging quality, equipment downtime, and overall production performance
• Troubleshoot mechanical and automation issues, perform root cause analysis, and coordinate complex repairs with Maintenance
• Partner with production operators and supporting departments to minimize downtime and meet production schedules and shipping deadlines
• Maintain accurate equipment settings, production documentation, and records of approved process changes
• Train and coach operators on equipment setup, operating procedures, quality checks, and basic troubleshooting
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, reduce waste, shorten changeovers, and increase production efficiency
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, machine guarding, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, and workplace safety requirements
• Maintain organized production areas, follow FIFO inventory practices, and ensure proper handling of product waste streams
• Communicate equipment concerns, production delays, quality issues, and safety risks to management
• Support production needs through overtime as required

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing or industrial production experience, including troubleshooting and quality control
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose equipment problems and support production operations
• Experience with automated filling or packaging equipment preferred
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, machine sequencing, and industrial controls preferred
• Knowledge of PLC inputs/outputs, electrical or pneumatic diagrams, and equipment recipe management preferred
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to monitor production schedules, prioritize tasks, and maintain quality standards
• Experience training operators, developing standard work procedures, or serving in a lead role preferred
• Technical certificate or associate degree in Automation, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field preferred
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand and walk throughout the shift, bend, reach, and climb stairs
• Comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
• Must be fluent in English