Sr Automation Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

job purpose: The Senior Packaging Technology Engineer advances and standardizes packaging across a multisite network, leading equipment qualification and commissioning and collaborating with OEMs to improve reliability and inform nextgen design, while driving startups, troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, aligned systems | standards and asset care, mentoring talent, integrating advanced automation, and executing strategic initiatives; up to 50% travel.

responsibilities:

• Advance Packaging Technology Roadmap: Define and refine equipment specifications, packaging line layouts, and mechanical standards to support long term strategic objectives.
• Lead Qualification & Commissioning Excellence: Oversee FAT/SAT activities and ensure robust IQ/OQ/PQ validation during new equipment installations, startups, and post overhaul execution.
• Enable High Performance Startups: Provide expert mechanical leadership during commissioning and transitions to operations, ensuring smooth, reliable, and compliant handoffs.
• Strengthen Packaging Hall Standards: Contribute to standardized layouts, ergonomics, safety elements, and quality checkpoints across all facilities.
• Influence Technology Through OEM Partnerships: Engage with key suppliers and OEMs to drive equipment design improvements, innovation, and advanced technology adoption.
• Serve as a Senior Mechanical SME: Mentor engineers and technicians, lead OEM specific training, and build mechanical capability across blow molding, filling, and downstream platforms.
• Support Troubleshooting & CI Deployment: Assist embedded SMEs and facility teams with problem solving, optimization work, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure Network Consistency & Reliability: Align mechanical systems, processes, and standards across sites; lead structured operational handoffs and maintain high operational readiness.
• Drive Engineering Excellence: Develop and enforce mechanical standards, conduct design reviews and root cause analyses, and lead innovation in mechanical systems and packaging technologies.
• Integrate Advanced Automation: Support evaluation and onboarding of robotics, machine vision, and AI driven automation; ensure mechanical compatibility with MES/SCADA/IoT systems.
• Enhance Reliability & Asset Care: Contribute to predictive maintenance initiatives, CMMS standardization, and long term asset care strategies.
• Lead Network Wide Initiatives: Serve as a mechanical SME for overhauls, CapEx scoping and execution, and multi site alignment activities.
• Communicate & Represent Engineering: Provide clear updates to leadership, participate in cross functional reviews, and represent Packaging Technology in technical forums and OEM engagements.

skills/qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in packaging machinery, mechanical systems design, or highspeed manufacturing environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of blow molding, filling, capping, labeling, and downstream packaging platforms.
• Proven experience leading FAT/SAT, equipment commissioning, and mechanical qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Strong capability in mechanical standards development, system design review, and root cause analysis.
• Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement, reliability enhancements, and CI methodologies (Lean/Six Sigma).
• Hands-on troubleshooting expertise with complex mechanical, pneumatic, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience collaborating with OEMs and suppliers to influence equipment design and technology adoption.
• Working knowledge of predictive and preventive maintenance methodologies, CMMS systems, and asset care strategies.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring engineers, technicians, and crossfunctional technical teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with capability to represent engineering in internal and external technical forums. Proficiency in English: Comfortable with both written and verbal communication, including reading and writing.

working conditions:

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks, and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced high demand production facilities and the ability to be able to perform those duties.

food safety requirements:

• Follow all safety standards and life saving rules that have been established.
• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better - and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife's nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are - supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Director, Packaging Technology

travel requirements: up to 50%

salary range: 130,000 - 160,000

exempt/nonexempt: exempt

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