POSITION SUMMARY: As an Optical Sorting System Operator, you are responsible for operating, monitoring, and managing specialized equipment that uses optical technology to separate items based on color, ensuring consistent product quality by identifying and removing unwanted color variations within a production line. You will work with other RPAC production, quality, and maintenance personnel to solve problems, complete scheduled work, and meet aggressive timelines. This position requires a deep understanding of the products, the manufacturing processes, and the resource capabilities and constraints of the entire production line. You will ensure efficient use of resources like labor, product, machinery, and materials by maximizing production capacity and quality while coordinating with various peers and departments to meet delivery deadlines and optimize production flow. You will also be responsible for maintenance and upkeep relating to the function and aesthetics of the production line.
** This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Start up and shut down the optical color sorting machine according to established procedures.
- Create and manage product blends to maximize product usage and achieve company and customer specifications and requirements.
- Feed raw materials into the machine hopper, adjusting feed rate as needed.
- Monitor machine performance, including color detection accuracy, ejection rates, and throughput.
- Adjust machine settings (color thresholds, target area parameters, ejection speeds) to optimize sorting accuracy based on product specifications.
- Regularly inspect sorted products to ensure proper separation and identify any quality issues.
- Monitor and record quality data, including reject rates and grade variations.
- Report any quality concerns to supervisors immediately.
- Perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks on the machine, including cleaning optical sensors and lenses, removing debris, and performing equipment inspections.
- Identify and report any potential mechanical issues to maintenance technicians.
- Maintain proper inventory of cleaning supplies and spare parts.
- Analyze machine performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Make adjustments to machine settings based on data analysis to optimize sorting efficiency.
- Use appropriate job plans, procedures, and manuals
- Participates in machinery troubleshooting
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships across the team, department and all levels of the organization.
- All other duties as assigned
SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Understanding of basic machinery operation and troubleshooting.
- Basic understanding of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), electrical, and mechanical systems, familiarity with color spectrum and optical technology.
- Ability to closely monitor machine performance and identify even slight product and grade variations.
- Troubleshooting machine malfunctions and making adjustments to optimize sorting accuracy.
- Ability to interpret machine data and make informed decisions based on analysis.
- Capable of identifying and reporting safety and quality issues.
- Working effectively with other team members to meet production goals
- Able to follow written and verbal instructions precisely
- Possess good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Experience interpreting and acting on written and verbal job instructions and reports, technical manuals and data.
- Knowledge of general maintenance activities and procedures including preventative maintenance procedures and best practices
- Experience operating company vehicles and equipment
- Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards (LOTO, Confined Space, Fall Protection, PPE)
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated with a results-driven approach
- Follow safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to become certified in all required mobile equipment
- Able to work in dirty, dusty, and noisy environments
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, climb, bend, twist, kneel, crawl for extended periods
- Ability to flexibly schedule as business needs require (alternate shift, overtime)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced Operator Trained and Certified. (Satake, Tomra, etc.)
- 3-5 years of experience in a similar role (preferably within the food processing industry)
- Vocational diploma from a relevant technical institution preferred
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT STATUS: RPAC, LLC. personnel are employed on an at-will basis. Employment at-will may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the employee or RPAC, LLC. Nothing in this Job Description shall limit the right to terminate at-will employment. No manager, supervisor, or employee of RPAC, LLC. has the authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment on other than at-will terms. Only the Managing Partner of RPAC, LLC. has the authority to make any such agreement, which is binding only if it is in writing.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Los Banos, CA 93635 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Los Banos, CA 93635: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
