Lead Automation Technician

Freeman Herbs is looking for an Automation Technician to keep our automated production lines running safely, efficiently, and at their best. Reporting to the Production Manager, this position is the go-to person for solving equipment issues, driving continuous improvement on automated production and packing lines, and ensuring that quality standards are achieved at each step. This role is a great fit for someone who's hands-on, mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and energized by solving problems on the production floor, and who wants to grow their skills across automation and process improvement along the way.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimize throughput rates, changeover times, and unplanned downtime on automated production equipment, using CMMS and production data to track trends over time.
• Lead day-to-day operation of the robotic product packaging line, ensuring order accuracy, operational efficiency, and safety.
• Provide hands-on support to the Production Manager in ensuring that all packed orders meet our quality standards.
• Identify risks and root causes of machine downtime events and errors; identify and implement solutions in collaboration with internal maintenance staff and external vendors.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve equipment performance, such as reducing cycle time and changeover time, improving organization, reducing exception rates, and eliminating bottlenecks, using structured root-cause tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Pareto analysis) where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain startup, operation, shutdown, and maintenance SOP documentation; plan and conduct staff training as needed.
• Maintain an organized and tidy production area, following 5S principles and in compliance with GMP and food safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations (OSHA) and company safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related field preferred

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and automated systems
• Mechanical aptitude and experience interpreting technical documents (e.g., schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs)
• Supervisory experience in manufacturing, food and beverage, or horticultural settings

Skills:

• Familiarity with production software including ERP and CMMS
• Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal, across shifts and with cross-functional teams
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work around dust, plant material, and varying temperatures
• Proficiency in the following areas are considered assets:
  • Machine programming (PLC)
• Spanish language, an asset
• Forklift certification
• Canadian workplace safety credential(s)

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Extended health care
• Health care spending account (HCSA)
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• RRSP matching after one year of employment

This job posting is for an existing vacancy at Freeman Herbs. We thank all candidates for their interest in this position, however, only those candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

At Freeman Herbs, we are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment. We are happy to discuss any need for accommodation and will make every effort to meet those needs in a timely manner. Please advise the Human Resources Department if you require accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection processes and/or within the work environment. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.