Foreign Material Systems Manager - Optical Sorting

Experience: Senior Level
Salary: $90,000 - $125,000 per year

Job Details
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Supporting 3 manufacturing sites

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Lead all preventative maintenance activities for electronic optical sorting equipment across manufacturing facilities.
• Manage the performance and reliability of foreign material removal systems including electronic sorters, metal detectors, magnets, stick machines, shakers, gravity tables, and stoners.
• Direct and support local maintenance and operations teams during scheduled PM events.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, automation, and control system issues on sorting equipment.
• Perform system calibrations, camera alignments, equipment inspections, and component replacements.
• Train operators and maintenance technicians on proper operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures.
• Monitor sorting programs and adjust settings based on product changes, crop conditions, or operational needs.
• Analyze equipment performance and collaborate with operations and technical teams to resolve processing issues.
• Manage spare parts inventory, coordinate purchasing, and maintain repair documentation and equipment logs.
• Ensure all equipment and processes comply with food safety standards, quality management systems (QMS), and company requirements.
• Provide technical support for a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Stay current with new technologies, industry trends, and equipment improvements.

Qualifications
Needed:

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of Systems Management experience required; candidates with a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree may qualify with 2 years of applicable systems management experience.
• Strong experience with electronic sorting systems, automation, controls, electronics, or industrial equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience within food manufacturing is required; peanut processing or agricultural manufacturing experience is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead preventative maintenance programs and improve equipment reliability.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems including sensors, wiring, power systems, and automated equipment.
• Experience training operators and maintenance technicians.
• Ability to analyze technical problems, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Strong documentation, communication, and project management skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel up to 50%.

A bit about us:
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Founded over 100 years ago and operating globally with facilities across multiple regions, we are a leading supplier of natural food and beverage ingredients serving manufacturers around the world. We combine deep agricultural roots with innovative processing technologies to deliver safe, high-quality, traceable ingredients while maintaining a strong commitment to food safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Why join us?
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• Global Industry Leader: Join a well-established organization supplying ingredients to top food and beverage manufacturers worldwide
• Career Growth: Opportunities to develop technical expertise and advance within a large global organization
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and retirement programs
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Impactful Role: Own critical foreign material prevention systems that directly support food safety and customer quality standards
• Travel & Exposure: Work across multiple facilities with approximately 50% travel

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