Packaging Machine Technician job description
A Packaging Machine Technician sets up, runs, adjusts and repairs filling, sealing, wrapping and carton machines on a consumer goods line. The role keeps packs correct and the line moving.
Why the role exists
The technician keeps the packing machines on a consumer goods line ready to run each shift. The person works with line operators, the maintenance engineer and quality staff, and reports to the Maintenance or Production Manager. Quick changeovers and early fault detection protect output and pack quality.
What the person does
- Set up filling, sealing, labelling and carton machines for each product and pack size at the start of a run.
- Carry out changeovers between pack sizes and fit the correct change parts, nozzles, dies and film rolls.
- Check fill weight, seal strength, print and batch code on the first packs and approve before the full run starts.
- Find and fix common faults such as jams, leaks, mis-registered film and sensor errors, and log the cause.
- Carry out daily cleaning, lubrication and tightening checks, and follow the planned preventive maintenance schedule.
- Work with operators to reduce stoppages, and train them on basic checks and safe machine handling.
- Record downtime, spares used and breakdown reasons in the shift log or maintenance system.
- Follow lockout rules, machine guarding and hygiene practices set by the plant, and report unsafe conditions at once.
Skills and tools
- Mechanical fitting, alignment and adjustment of packing machines
- Basic electrical and sensor fault finding, including PLC panel error reading
- Knowledge of pneumatics, servo drives and heat sealing
- Changeover discipline and use of change part sets
- Reading machine manuals and simple drawings
- Use of hand tools, gauges and weighing scales
- Breakdown logging and maintenance software use
- Safe working near moving parts and hygiene rules in food or personal care areas
Education and experience
Preferred, never a bar: equivalent experience counts.
- ITI or diploma in mechanical, electrical or mechatronics preferred, or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Prior work on pouch, sachet, bottle filling or carton lines in a consumer goods plant is preferred.
- Willingness to work rotating shifts as set by the employer is useful for the role.
- Any safety or machine-specific training certificates are a plus. Confirm what is needed with your own adviser.
How the work is judged
- Machine uptime and number of unplanned stoppages across shifts
- Time taken for changeovers between products and pack sizes
- Pack quality at start-up, including fill, seal and coding accuracy
- Completion of preventive maintenance tasks and quality of breakdown records
- Safe work practice and cleanliness of the machine and nearby area
Where the role can lead
- Senior Packaging Technician or line fitter in charge of a full line.
- Maintenance Supervisor or Shift Engineer for the packing hall.
- Moves into machine commissioning, vendor service or process improvement roles.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions in the same order and score them against written anchors, so the decision rests on the work and not the impression.
- A pouch machine starts producing leaking seals mid-shift. What do you check first, and in what order?
- Describe how you carry out a fast changeover from one pack size to another.
- How do you tell whether a fault is mechanical, electrical or a material problem?
- Tell us about a repeat breakdown you solved at the root cause.
- What do you check on a machine before you hand it back to the operator?
- How do you keep safety rules during a rushed production order?
Hiring tips for this role
- Give a practical test on a real or similar machine: a changeover, a fault find and a first-pack check.
- Ask what machine makes and models the candidate has handled. Experience on cartoners and form-fill-seal differs.
- A good fitter explains root cause. Be wary of anyone who only replaces parts without finding why they failed.
- Be clear on shift pattern and overtime norms. Rotating night shifts are a common reason for early exits.
Questions about hiring a packaging machine technician
The technician sets up and adjusts the packing machines, fits change parts for each product, checks the first packs and fixes faults during the run. The person also does routine maintenance and logs downtime.
An operator runs the machine and feeds materials. The technician understands the machine's mechanics and controls, makes adjustments, repairs faults and sets it up for the next product. The two work together.
A technical qualification helps, but hands-on experience on similar machines often matters more. Prefer candidates who can explain their own repairs and show a practical result in a test.
GullyHR agrees the job description with you, finds and screens technicians with packing line experience and supports the offer for the permanent role. You decide the final hire.
Hiring a packaging machine technician?
GullyHR runs talent acquisition for permanent roles. We agree the job description with you, find and screen candidates against it, and support the offer through to joining. We recruit permanent employees. We do not supply contract or temporary staff.