Equipment Set Up Technician

Located in Blacksburg, VA

Salary: $21.00 - $23.00

The Equipment Set-Up Technician is responsible for setting up, adjusting, troubleshooting, and maintaining production machinery to support safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations. This position performs product, size, component, and machine tooling changeovers in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).

The Equipment Set-Up Technician monitors equipment performance, identifies and resolves operational issues, and makes necessary adjustments to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. This role also supports team members, coordinates workflow within assigned areas, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.

The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively support and guide team members in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and change over production machinery and tooling to accommodate different products, sizes, and components.
• Monitor production equipment to ensure safe, efficient operation and consistent product quality.
• Observe, inspect, and test machinery and equipment to identify and diagnose malfunctions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and production issues, including mechanical problems, equipment malfunctions, and operational errors.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and preventive maintenance using manuals, job aids, procedures, and established guidelines.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, and applicable operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment uptime, production efficiency, reliability, and overall line performance.
• Effectively coordinate resources and workflow to support production schedules and departmental priorities.
• Maintain clear and effective communication between shifts, departments, supervisors, and team members.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies, eliminating non-value-added activities, simplifying processes, and assisting with the implementation of new equipment and technology.
• Collaborate with Team Coordinators, Supervisors, Maintenance personnel, and production associates to identify and implement equipment and process improvements.
• Lead or assist with packaging validations, component line trials, equipment testing, and special projects.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following all applicable safety policies, procedures, and cGMP requirements.
• Proactively identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential quality issues.
• Support team members in achieving departmental goals related to safety, quality, production, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and support to team members to promote the safe and effective operation of production equipment.
• Follow established lean manufacturing practices and structured work processes.
• Perform other duties or provide support in other departments as required based on business and operational needs.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least one year of experience in manufacturing, production equipment operation, equipment setup, maintenance, or a similar mechanical role preferred.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Working knowledge of machinery, tools, and equipment, including their operation, setup, adjustment, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to diagnose mechanical and operational problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, equipment manuals, job aids, work instructions, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety, quality, and production efficiency.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control practices, production efficiency, and continuous improvement principles preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and adapt to changing production priorities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position operates primarily in a manufacturing environment and requires repetitive movements and extended periods of standing.

Employees must be able to:

• Lift up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Stand and/or walk for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive movements associated with equipment setup and production operations.
• Work across multiple shifts as required by operational needs.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include hearing protection, safety glasses, respirators, steel-toed footwear, and other required safety equipment.
• Work safely around production machinery, equipment, and typical manufacturing operations.

Apply Now