Equipment Manufacturing Lead
Onsite in Visalia, California

*Must be able to spend your first 4-6 weeks in Spain for training purposes.

Advancing the Future of Freshness™, Together

AgroFresh is a fast-moving, dynamic company dedicated to delivering integrated near- and post-harvest solutions for more freshness and quality, every step of the way from harvest to home. From next-gen digital monitoring and analytics and plant-based coatings to integrated fungicide solutions and SO2 generating sheets for more intelligent packaging, you can count on us for a full suite of near- and post-harvest solutions that help enhance quality and extend the shelf life of your fruits and vegetables.

When you work at AgroFresh, you work with the leading experts in near- and post-harvest technologies to proactively solve the most pressing challenges. Imagine a world where the produce supply chain has more time every step of the way. Where products get to consumers exactly as the grower intended. Where food loss is minimized, sustainability maximized, and business empowered. This is the world of Smarter Freshness.

What the Role Delivers

This position primarily oversees the quoting, manufacturing and on-time delivery of Control Tec equipment within the Southwest NA region, ensuring full compliance with engineering, quality and safety standards. In addition, the role leads technical communications with Customers, Field, Commercial teams to define and propose customer-focused technical solutions, working in close coordination with other regional leaders and reporting to the Global Equipment Lead. Demonstrates a high level of self-initiative, motivated by challenges and able to adapt and innovate as strategy requires.

Key Responsibilities
In order of relative importance

• Lead and influence technical discussions to correctly define customer needs, propose equipment solutions to enable application of Agrofresh products on clients’ sites.
• Be the technical reference for Agrofresh equipment in the region.
• Deliver technical quotation for equipment and installations based on defined equipment portfolio.
• Responsible for overall equipment manufacturing in the region to ensure compliance with design & engineering standards, time, cost, performance, quality & safety.
• Technical support to Field Team and Customers to resolve technical issues or troubleshooting equipment.
• Analyze and propose technical solutions to support the convergence, consolidation and standardization of equipment portfolio based on regional specific needs.
• Report in a timely manner on defined KPIs, costs, inventory, and resource utilization.
• Supervise, control and develop subcontractors & suppliers to enable local equipment manufacturing in region.
• Collaborate in the definition, implementation and monitoring of equipment maintenance plan to optimize resources, increase reliability and robustness of equipment.
• Adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

Who to Work With

Primary internal and external stakeholders

• Field team, Sales/Account managers, pack line employees, subcontractors and OEM.
• Engineering and Manufacturing regional team members.
• Supply chain & logistics.
• Global Equipment Lead, reporting manager.

How We Work
AgroFresh core competencies – those in italics apply for people leaders

• Accountability for Results
• Mindset for Growth
• Customer Centricity
• One AgroFresh
• Owns the Talent

What the Job Requires

• A degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, Agricultural) or relevant equivalent work experience (>10Y) is required.
• Proficient knowledge and hands-on experience of hydraulic, fluid mechanic & pneumatic systems, electronic controls, mechanical drives, PLC, HMI & SCADA systems is required.
• Experience in team management within production, manufacturing, or equipment installation environments is highly desirable.
• Occasional travel (approximately 15%) is required to visit customers, oversee installations, or coordinate with subcontractors.

What to Have Done and Know How to Do

These skills and experiences are highly desirable; however, they do not preclude exceptions based on an individual’s performance history and demonstrated potential.

• Experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and commissioning of equipment/systems is required.
• Experience in supervising manufacturing facilities, resources and production planning as Production Supervisor/Shift Supervisor is required. (Experience in the Agrotech/Packing House sector is a plus but not mandatory).
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with U.S. codes and standards related to the design, manufacturing, installation, and operation of industrial equipment—including OSHA, ANSI B11, NFPA 70 (NEC), and NFPA 79—is required.
• Experience in maintenance and technical services support functions within industry is highly desirable.
• Autonomous, proactive, and self-motivated with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a data-driven, organized approach.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and CAD software, is required. User-level experience with SAP and Microsoft Project is a plus.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to manage others. In this role, there is future opportunity to grow and a manage team.

Why Work Here

• We work every day to improve the quantity and quality of fresh produce and reduce food waste – that is important to every person on the planet!
• We have a rich history and are known for our quality products.
• We have an enterprising spirit and are looking for like-minded problem-solvers to help us accomplish our goals.
• We focus on the Critical Few priorities that are important for us and our customers and then hold ourselves accountable to deliver.
• We are growing and transforming – both our business and the industry.
• We are committed to developing our colleagues and helping you advance in your career.
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.

Local Details

• Role is on-site based at Visalia (Fresno) CAL.
• Being fluent in Spanish is a plus but not required.