Optical Sorter Sizer Operator

Optical Sorter Sizer Operator

Apple Sorting & Sizing Operations

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Department: Operations
Reports To: Production Manager
Position Type: Non-Exempt, Full-Time Hourly

Wage Range: $25.00–$35.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Optical Sorter Sizer Operator is responsible for the setup, calibration, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of advanced optical sorting, sizing, grading, and weighing systems within a fresh apple sorting facility. This position serves as the facility's technical expert on sorting technology and is responsible for maximizing equipment performance, fruit recovery, throughput, grading accuracy, and product quality.

The successful candidate will utilize industry-leading vision systems, cameras, sensors, scales, and software platforms to ensure fruit is accurately sorted according to customer specifications while minimizing false rejects, maximizing yields, and supporting food safety, quality, and operational efficiency objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Optical Sorting System Operation

• Operate and monitor automated optical sorting, grading, sizing, and weighing equipment.
• Perform startup, changeovers, and shutdown procedures.
• Configure sorting programs based on customer specifications, variety, size profiles, grade standards, and pack requirements.
• Verify proper operation of cameras, sensors, scales, lighting systems, and defect detection technology.
• Monitor system performance throughout production and make real-time adjustments as needed.
• Ensure accurate routing of fruit to designated grades, sizes, and pack styles.

System Calibration and Setup

• Calibrate optical cameras, infrared sensors, scales, defect detection systems, and sizing components.
• Validate grading accuracy through routine testing and sample inspections.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for equipment setup and verification.
• Optimize detection settings for defects, color, shape, size, bruising, and quality characteristics.
• Conduct product trials and support implementation of new sorting programs.

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Perform routine preventative maintenance on sorter components.
• Inspect belts, rollers, cups, carriers, cameras, sensors, scales, lighting systems, and reject mechanisms.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and software-related issues.
• Coordinate repairs with Maintenance personnel and equipment vendors.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and calibration records.
• Assist with installation and commissioning of equipment upgrades and new technologies.

Process Optimization

• Analyze sorter performance data and operational metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve:
• Throughput.
• Yield recovery.
• Grade accuracy.
• Pack-out performance.
• Equipment uptime.
• Labor efficiency.
• Product consistency.
• Continuously fine-tune sorter settings to maximize recovery while maintaining quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement projects focused on waste reduction and operational efficiency.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure apples meet customer specifications and grade standards.
• Monitor defect detection accuracy and perform regular audits.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance personnel to address quality concerns.
• Investigate sorting discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety and quality requirements.

Data Monitoring and Reporting

• Utilize sorter software and reporting tools to monitor operational performance.
• Review production reports, throughput data, yield metrics, and defect trends.
• Generate reports related to:
• Sorter efficiency.
• Recovery percentages.
• Downtime.
• Grade distributions.
• Product defects.
• Communicate performance trends and recommendations to management.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain safe operation of all equipment.
• Participate in safety meetings and training.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and company food safety standards.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and workplace safety.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical degree, vocational training, or industry certifications preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating optical sorting, grading, packing, or food processing equipment preferred.
• Experience with fresh produce, apples, packing facilities, or agricultural processing is strongly preferred.
• Experience with advanced sorter platforms such as Compac, Unitec, Ellips, Tomra, Aweta, MAF Roda, GP Graders, or equivalent systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Understanding of optical grading and sorting technologies.
• Knowledge of fresh apple grades, defects, sizing standards, and pack requirements.
• Ability to interpret production and performance data.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Basic understanding of industrial electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with computer-based control systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Sorter uptime and availability.
• Throughput rates.
• Grading accuracy.
• Yield recovery percentage.
• False reject rate.
• Customer complaint frequency.
• Downtime reduction.
• Product quality performance.
• Food safety compliance.
• Preventative maintenance completion rate.
• Operational efficiency improvements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around moving machinery and conveyor systems.
• Ability to work in refrigerated and warehouse environments.

Work Environment

This position works within a fast-paced fresh apple sorting and packing facility. The environment includes exposure to moving equipment, variable temperatures, noise, moisture, and production schedules that may require overtime and weekend work during peak harvest and packing seasons.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Application Question(s):

• Have you worked with optical sorting or sizing technology?
• Do you have experience in fresh produce, apple packing, food processing, or agriculture?
• Do you have at least 2 years of experience operating sorting, sizing, grading, packing, or similar production equipment?

Work Location: In person