Foreign Material Systems Manager - Optical Sorting

Australia-Employment; Rochelle (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full relocation package

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Global Food Ingredients Manufacturer in Smithville, GA is hiring a Foreign Material Systems Manager - Optical Sorting to own preventative maintenance for electronic sorting equipment across three sites. The role focuses on ensuring food safety, equipment reliability, and process quality.

Travel up to 50% is required; a Bachelor’s in mechanical or electrical engineering plus 5+ years in systems management is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of Systems Management experience; 2+ years if degree in mechanical/electrical engineering.
• Strong experience with electronic sorting systems, automation, controls, electronics, or industrial equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience in food manufacturing is required; peanut/agricultural processing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all preventative maintenance activities for electronic optical sorting equipment across manufacturing facilities.
• Manage performance and reliability of foreign material removal systems including sorters, metal detectors, magnets, and related equipment.
• Direct and support local maintenance and operations teams during scheduled PM events.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, automation, and control system issues on sorting equipment.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Electronic sorting systems

Automation controls

Job description

Foreign Material Systems Manager - Optical Sorting

$90000 - $125000 per year | Smithville, GA | On-site | Permanent

Global Food Ingredients Manufacturer | $$$ Full Relocation Package | Supporting 3 manufacturing sites

A bit about us:

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?

• 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

Job Details

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%.


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