Machine Setter - Automated Grading Systems

Montague Farms; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Montague Farms is seeking a technically minded Machine Setter to join our automated grading operations. You will set up, calibrate, optimise, troubleshoot and ensure quality assurance across AI-powered grading systems and camera-enabled equipment.

The role involves working with automated production equipment, machine vision technology and integration with suppliers, delivering premium-quality fruit with consistent specifications.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Machine Setter or Production Technician.
• Experience in fruit/food production or automated packing environments.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced team.

Responsibilities

• Set up grading machines and equipment to meet production specs.
• Adjust settings and grading parameters to optimise performance.
• Monitor systems, cameras, sensors and software.
• Conduct changeovers, calibrations and start-up checks.
• Identify and troubleshoot equipment and software issues.
• Maintain grading equipment and related technology.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Continuous improvement

Education

Manufacturing/Engineering background

Tools

Tomra LUCAi

Machine vision systems

Automation equipment

Job description

Machine Setter - Automated Grading Systems

Montague Farms spans from Legana in Tasmania to Batlow in New South Wales, with orchard operations located at Narre Warren North, Harcourt, Ardmona, Dilpurra and Mildura. Across more than 1,000 hectares of productive orchards and extensive packing facilities, we grow and supply premium apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, grapes and citrus to Australian and international markets.

With a proud family heritage and a focus on innovation, quality and sustainable farming practices, Montague Farms continues to invest in both our people and our operations.

The Opportunity:

We're looking for a technically minded Machine Setter to join our grading operations team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with industry-leading AI-powered fruit grading technology, automated production equipment, camera systems, and software that help deliver premium-quality fruit to customers. You will play a critical role in machine setup, calibration, optimisation, troubleshooting, and quality assurance, ensuring our advanced grading systems operate efficiently and accurately while meeting customer specifications. If you enjoy working with technology, production equipment, automation, quality systems, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Work with world-class AI grading and optical sorting technology

Develop specialist skills in automated fruit production systems

Gain exposure to advanced machine vision and quality technology

Permanent full-time role with long-term career opportunities

Hands-on technical role with variety and responsibility

Play a direct role in delivering premium-quality produce

About the Role

As a Machine Setter, you will be responsible for setting up, monitoring, maintaining, and optimising automated grading equipment to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and production targets are achieved. You'll work closely with production teams and technical providers to maximise performance while continuously improving grading accuracy and equipment reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Set up grading machines and equipment to meet production and quality specifications

Adjust machine settings and grading parameters to optimise performance

Monitor automated grading systems, cameras, sensors, and software

Conduct machine changeovers, calibrations, and start-up checks

Identify and troubleshoot equipment, system, and software issues

Maintain grading equipment, weigh systems, sensors, cameras, and associated technology

Monitor machine efficiency, throughput, and quality outcomes

Analyse machine and grading performance data

Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and sanitisation activities

Assist with equipment upgrades, testing, and continuous improvement projects

Liaise with equipment suppliers and technical support providers when required

Ensure grading outcomes consistently meet customer specifications and quality standards

About You

We're looking for someone who enjoys understanding how machines work, solving problems, and delivering quality outcomes.

Ideally, you'll have:

Experience as a Machine Setter, Production Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Maintenance Technician, or similar

Experience working within fruit or food production, manufacturing, processing, packing, or automated production environments

Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills

Experience adjusting, setting, calibrating, or optimising production equipment

Good understanding of quality standards and production processes

Strong attention to detail and analytical skills

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment

A proactive approach to continuous improvement

Experience with grading systems, Tomra LUCAi, optical sorting technology, automation systems, Compac equipment, or machine vision technology will be highly regarded but is not essential.

What Makes This Role Different?

This role combines machine setting, automation, quality control, and advanced technology in one position.

You'll work with sophisticated AI-powered grading systems that use cameras, machine learning, and optical technology to assess fruit quality at high speed and precision. It's an opportunity to develop valuable technical skills in one of the most advanced areas of modern fruit production.