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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Packaging Technician

💰 $40,000 - $65,000

ManufacturingProductionSkilled TradesLogistics & Supply ChainPharmaceutical

🎯 Role Definition

A Packaging Technician is a hands-on specialist who plays a vital role on the front lines of manufacturing and production. This position is responsible for the setup, operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of sophisticated packaging equipment that prepares products for distribution. More than just an operator, a Packaging Technician is a guardian of product quality and safety, ensuring that every item leaving the facility is packaged correctly, securely, and in compliance with stringent industry standards, such as cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices). This role is foundational to brand integrity and consumer safety, operating at the fast-paced intersection of machinery, quality control, and logistics.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate or Assembly Line Worker
  • Warehouse Associate or Material Handler
  • Machine Operator Trainee

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Packaging Technician
  • Packaging Line Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Quality Control (QC) Inspector or Technician
  • Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Machine Operator (in a different department, e.g., processing or filling)
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
  • Logistics or Inventory Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate, monitor, and adjust various types of automated and semi-automated packaging equipment, including fillers, cappers, labelers, cartoners, and case packers, to ensure continuous and efficient production flow.
  • Perform meticulous setup, calibration, and changeovers of packaging machinery according to product specifications and production schedules, minimizing downtime between runs.
  • Conduct consistent in-process quality control checks on products and components, verifying fill volumes, seal integrity, label placement, lot codes, and expiration dates against master records.
  • Accurately and diligently complete all required production documentation in real-time, including batch records, operational logbooks, and cleaning logs, ensuring full compliance with cGMP and internal standards.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve minor mechanical issues, jams, and operational stoppages on the packaging line to maintain efficiency and reduce production delays.
  • Escalate complex equipment malfunctions, persistent operational issues, or significant quality deviations to the appropriate Lead, Supervisor, or Maintenance personnel in a timely manner.
  • Execute and document thorough line clearance procedures before, during, and after each packaging run to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the integrity of the subsequent product.
  • Safely handle, transport, and stage raw materials and packaging components (e.g., bottles, caps, labels, cartons) to supply the packaging line throughout the production shift.
  • Strictly adhere to all established safety protocols, including the correct application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, during operation, cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance activities.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work environment by consistently following cGMP and 5S housekeeping standards.
  • Operate material handling equipment, such as electric or manual pallet jacks, to safely move raw materials and finished goods within the packaging and warehouse areas.
  • Assist with the final packing of finished products into shipping cases, constructing and palletizing cases according to specified patterns, and preparing pallets for warehouse transfer.
  • Inspect incoming packaging components upon receipt for any damage, defects, or discrepancies and report non-conforming materials to Quality and Supply Chain teams.
  • Collaborate effectively with a diverse team of operators, quality personnel, and maintenance staff to diagnose and resolve production challenges and achieve departmental objectives.
  • Read and precisely interpret work orders, batch records, and production schedules to determine packaging requirements, material needs, and process parameters for each job.
  • Actively participate in team huddles, safety briefings, and continuous improvement (CI) projects aimed at enhancing line performance, safety, quality, and waste reduction.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks on packaging equipment as directed, such as lubrication, cleaning of photo-eye sensors, and visual inspection of wear-and-tear parts.
  • Verify and document critical processing parameters like machine speed, sealing temperature, and application pressure to ensure a consistent and validated packaging process.
  • Support packaging validation and equipment qualification activities by executing test protocols and documenting results under the supervision of Engineering or Validation departments.
  • Diligently account for and reconcile all issued product and packaging materials at the conclusion of a batch run, investigating and reporting any significant discrepancies.
  • Perform all assembly, inspection, and packaging tasks for finished goods with an unwavering focus on quality and precision.
  • Ensure all finished product is correctly identified, counted, and labeled before being released from the packaging area.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in routine inventory counts and material reconciliation to ensure accurate stock levels of packaging components.
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events to help identify opportunities to enhance packaging line efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to new or less experienced team members on standard operating procedures and equipment operation.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to provide operator feedback on equipment performance and suggest potential upgrades or modifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Automated Machinery Operation (Fillers, Cappers, Labelers)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Knowledge
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Compliance
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting and Adjustment
  • Quality Control Inspection & In-Process Checks
  • Meticulous Documentation and Batch Record Management
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Procedures
  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Operation
  • Line Clearance and Equipment Changeover Procedures
  • Material Handling Equipment Operation (e.g., Pallet Jack)
  • Basic Math, Measurement, and Conversion Skills

Soft Skills

  • Keen Attention to Detail and High Level of Accuracy
  • Strong Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Abilities
  • Effective Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Clear Verbal and Written Communication
  • Adaptability to Changing Priorities and Production Demands
  • Excellent Time Management and Prioritization
  • Proactive and Safety-Conscious Mindset
  • Innate Mechanical Aptitude
  • Reliability, Punctuality, and a Strong Work Ethic

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

  • A technical certificate or associate's degree in a related field is a strong plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or packaging environment.

Preferred: Experience in a regulated environment (e.g., FDA, cGMP) such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and beverage, or cosmetics is highly desirable. Prior experience with high-speed automated equipment is a significant advantage.

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