Foreign Material Systems Manager - Optical Sorting

Location: Smithville

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 "Quick 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 with in 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 "Quick 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…