SME-Process Technician – Sanitation Tunnel

Danville, VA

Full Time

Operations

Mid Level

AeroFarms is seeking a Process Technician – Sanitation Tunnel - SME!

Shift: 6PM-6AM & 6AM-PM

Company Summary

The world needs our help. Today 8 billion people live on the planet with less arable land than ever before. We need a solution to cultivate more using less and define the future of farming for generations to come.

AeroFarms is part of that solution, transforming agriculture with people and planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we use our proprietary technology to grow produce using up to 95% less water and no pesticides ever. The result is a portfolio of products that burst with flavor, taste, and nutritional value. Leading the industry, AeroFarms has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies five years in a row, topped Fortune Magazine’s 2022 Change the World Company List, and was recognized as one of the 95 “Brands That Matter” by Fast Company.

Now in over 1,000 stores across the United States, we are scaling our award-winning brand and technology around the world. As AeroFarms approaches our next phase of explosive growth, we seek passionate and motivated individuals to join our team. If a team of intellectually curious coworkers and our change-the-world mission resonates with you, apply today. Learn more about AeroFarms and join us to change the world as we grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity.

As AeroFarms approaches our next phase of explosive growth, we seek out creative, motivated humans who will join us in disrupting industry standards and lead the way in vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and plant biology breakthroughs to solve, and tackle global issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPX7ZS0wqWI]

Working Conditions: The AeroFarms facility has two areas: one is warm and humid: 80 degrees, the other is cold at 35 degrees. You are required to wear PPE provided by AeroFarms, including a facemask in the GMP/food production areas.

Position Summary: We are seeking a skilled and motivated Process Technician able to operate, troubleshoot, and perform some preventive maintenance on an automatic washing and sanitation system consisting of robotic work handling equipment, conveying, and washing equipment for indoor farming grow containers. This critical role requires an understanding of automation systems, and a commitment to reliability. This Process Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of our indoor farming operation. The successful candidate will have a high technical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team to meet production goals.

Responsibilities:

Sanitation Work Cell Operation:

Safely and efficiently operate the robotic work cell to load and unload indoor farming grow containers into the washing tunnel.
Monitor and control the robotic system to ensure accurate and precise container handling.

Learn and understand how to safely jog robotic work arms.
Monitors proper performance of automated systems.
Execute scheduled tasks and manage the workflow to meet production targets.
Load and unload stacks of flats and containers with the use of a forklift.
Run equipment in entirety to complete scheduled production.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance:

Perform routine maintenance on the washing tunnel, including cleaning nozzles, filters, lubricating, and inspecting components to ensure optimal performance.
Collaborate with the maintenance team to schedule and develop preventive maintenance tasks.
Perform testing on upgrades implemented on the system.

Quality Control:

Ensure that containers are properly loaded and unloaded, meeting quality standards.
Monitor washing and sanitizing chemical levels and concentrations to achieve validated results.
Pull ATP samples as needed to monitor quality of cleaning cycle with decision making and ability to raise out of specification test results to FSQA and Supervisor.
Conduct regular inspections to identify defects or irregularities and take corrective actions.

Collaborate with quality assurance teams to address quality concerns.

Safety and Compliance:

Adhere to safety protocols and best practices, including lockout/tagout procedures, to ensure a safe working environment.
Use of protective fall harness and tie off when working at elevated levels
Compliance to confined space areas prior to entering confined space.

Maintain compliance with company and industry standards and regulations.
Report any safety or compliance issues to the appropriate personnel.

Data Recording and Reporting:

Maintain accurate records of work cell operation, maintenance activities, and any issues encountered.
Test and record critical parameters and chemical concentration.

Communicate performance metrics to supervisors and management.

Collaboration:

Collaborate with the engineering team to assist in the optimization of the robotic work cell's performance.
Work with colleagues to resolve technical challenges and improve processes.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent (technical education or relevant certification is a plus).
Proven experience in operating and maintaining robotic or automated systems.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
High familiarity in use of HMI panels

Familiarity with safety protocols and compliance standards.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently and adapt to changing conditions.
Willingness to work in a physically demanding and wet environment, including standing, lifting, and bending.

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience in a similar role within a Food Manufacturing or industrial setting.
Prior use of HMI and automatically controlled work systems

This Robotic Work Cell Process Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of our indoor farming operation. The successful candidate will have a high technical aptitude, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team to meet production goals.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Physical demands – May be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 50 pounds.
Schedule days will be established with the Sr. Director of Field Engineering

Internal candidates seeking a promotion must have completed a minimum of six months in their current role before becoming eligible for consideration.

*Please note that AeroFarms does not work with any external staffing/recruitment vendors. Any unsolicited resumes shared with the AeroFarms team will be considered property of AeroFarms and no recruitment fees of any kind will be paid or owed unless an existing recruitment agreement exists alongside with specific engagement for the role in question.

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