Foreign Material Systems Manager - Optical Sorting

Jobot; Samson (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a Maintenance Systems Manager for a Global Food Ingredients Manufacturer. You will lead preventive maintenance across electronic sorting equipment and foreign material removal systems, supporting multiple sites with about 50% travel.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, 5+ years in systems management, and strong troubleshooting, training, and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of Systems Management experience; 2+ years with relevant degrees.
• Strong experience with electronic sorting systems, automation, controls, or industrial equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience in food manufacturing is required; peanut processing or agricultural manufacturing preferred.
• Proven ability to lead preventative maintenance programs and improve equipment reliability.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems including sensors, wiring, power, and automated equipment.
• Experience training operators and maintenance technicians.
• Ability to analyze 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%.

Responsibilities

• Lead preventive maintenance for electronic optical sorting equipment across facilities.
• Manage performance and reliability of foreign material removal systems (sorters, metal detectors, magnets, etc.).
• Direct and support local maintenance and operations during PM events.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, automation, and control issues on sorting equipment.
• Perform system calibrations, camera alignments, inspections, and component replacements.
• Train operators and maintenance technicians on operation and troubleshooting.
• Monitor sorting programs and adjust settings based on product changes or operational needs.
• Analyze equipment performance and coordinate with teams to resolve processing issues.
• Manage spare parts inventory, coordinate purchasing, and maintain repair logs.
• Ensure all equipment and processes comply with food safety standards and QMS.

Skills

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Project management

Technical training

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Electronic sorting systems

Industrial automation equipment

Job description

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Job details: Global Food Ingredients Manufacturer | $$$ Full Relocation Package

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Ray Bahl

Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button and sending us your resume.

Salary: $75,000 - $105,000 per year

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%.

Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Easy Apply" button.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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