Qa automation engineer Jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Job Description

Job Description

Nordic Naturals, a leading Omega-3 Fish Oils supplement brand. The Packaging Systems and Automation Engineer is responsible for evaluating, designing, implementing, and continuously improving automated packaging systems for softgel bottling, liquid filling, and gummy packaging lines. This individual will lead equipment upgrades, automation projects, and packaging technology improvements to increase line speed, reduce waste, maximize OEE, and support future growth through capacity expansion.This engineer will work closely with the production, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure equipment runs reliably and efficiently, while also coaching and training operators on best practices. This role plays a key part in building a world-class packaging operation that is lean, scalable, and technologically advanced.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Function Statement(s)

Packaging Equipment and Automation

Lead automation and systems engineering initiatives for bottling, labeling, capping, induction sealing, shrink bundling, case packing, liquid filling, and gummy packaging lines.

Specify, source, and install state-of-the-art packaging equipment, robotics, and control systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility.

Work closely with OEMs and integrators on equipment design, FAT, installation, commissioning (IQ / OQ / PQ), and training.

Standardize and integrate PLC, HMI, SCADA and sensor-based control systems for consistent and automated performance monitoring.

Line Performance & Process Improvement

Analyze packaging line bottlenecks and implement engineering solutions to increase line speed, reduce scrap, and improve throughput without compromising quality.

Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and OEE tracking to boost packaging line reliability and uptime.

Develop and implement changeover reduction strategies (e.g., SMED) to improve packaging flexibility and responsiveness.

Capacity Expansion & Technology Strategy

Lead or support capital projects related to new line installations, facility upgrades, or automation expansions.

Develop packaging system strategies aligned with company growth plans and industry advancements in digital manufacturing.

Benchmark and recommend next-generation packaging technologies for vitamins, supplements, and liquid products.

Collaboration & Support

Partner with Maintenance and Operations teams to implement robust preventive and predictive maintenance plans for all packaging assets.

Support root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime, quality deviations, or efficiency loss.

Create technical documentation including equipment specifications, SOPs, and maintenance instructions.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

Positive – Ability to view all situations with a positive attitude.

Innovative – Ability to look beyond the standard solutions and “think outside the box”.

Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.

Enthusiastic – Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.

Friendly – Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others.

Initiative – Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.

Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.

Reliability – The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education :

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering is a must.

Experience :

7+ years of hands-on experience with packaging and production line systems automation in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement or food industries.

Hands-on experience with bottling lines, liquid filling machines, labelers, case packers, and other downstream packaging equipment.

Experience with vision inspection systems, servo drives, robotics (pick & place, palletizers), and conveyor systems.

Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI / SCADA systems configuration, and industrial communication protocols.

Experience with robotic systems (e.g., ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa) integration and programming.

Hands-on experience with automation and control of CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, including validation and optimization of cleaning cycles.

Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT devices, smart factory solutions, and data analytics platforms.

Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to improving equipment, processes, and cleaning systems.

Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and IT teams.

Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities

LEAN Certification (e.g : Green Belt / Black Belt) is highly preferred.

Computer Skills :

PLC Programming Software (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider EcoStruxure)

HMI and SCADA Software (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Ignition by Inductive Automation, Wonderware, GE iFIX)

Industrial Networking and Protocols (e.g., configuring Ethernet / IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP networks)

Robotics Programming Tools (e.g., ABB RobotStudio, FANUC ROBOGUIDE, Yaskawa MotoSim)

CAD Software for reviewing mechanical and electrical layouts (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN)

Simulation and Modeling Tools (e.g., Siemens Process Simulate, Arena Simulation for manufacturing flow)

Data Acquisition and Analysis Tools (e.g., OSIsoft PI System, SQL databases, Excel advanced functions / macros)

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) or ERP Systems (understanding integration with SAP, Oracle, or specialized MES platforms)

Programming / Scripting Skills (optional)

CMMS and Maintenance Software (for asset management and predictive maintenance) (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep, IBM Maximo)

CIP System Automation Software (controlled through PLC / SCADA — familiarity with setting up / optimizing automated CIP recipes and sequences)

Pay, Benefits & Perks :

The estimated salary pay is $140,000 to $150,000. This pay is an estimate, and the exact compensation may vary depending on an applicant's location, skills, prior experience, professional qualifications, and other relevant factors. Additional compensation may also include incentive compensation (i.e. bonus or commission) if applicable.

At Nordic Naturals, ‘step one’ toward achieving our goal of a healthy world is taking care of our family of employees. We offer a comprehensive and attractive benefits program to employees and eligible family members. Our benefits & perks include the following :

• Multiple Health Plan Options
• Dental & Vision
• Dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Plan
• Access to Multiple EAP Plans
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• PTO
• Paid Holidays (9 holidays per year)
• Paid Sabbatical (3 weeks of paid sabbatical after every 5 years of employment)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer matches dollar for dollar up to 3%)
• Free Monthly Supplements
• Product Discount Program
• Wellness Coach

Nordic Naturals is an equal opportunity employer. A pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment.

At Nordic Naturals, we’re committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective nutrients essential to health. Our award-winning omega-3 fish oil and other foundational nutrients are research supported, expertly formulated, rigorously tested, proven effective and, best of all, great tasting. With products for the whole family, we deliver the nutrients essential for healthy living.