Mogul Manufacturing Technician- All Shifts

About the role

As the highest-level operator within the Mogul Department, the Mogul Manufacturing Technician serves as the primary operational and technical owner of assigned production lines, supporting PIM's state-of-the-art, high-volume manufacturing environment. This role is accountable for the performance of the entire manufacturing process from Cooking through Shakeout, ensuring all upstream and downstream operations function safely and effectively to achieve production, quality, food safety, reliability, and efficiency objectives.

The Mogul Manufacturing Technician maintains continuous oversight of line performance, coordinates operational activities across multiple work centers, identifies and resolves process disruptions, and drives adherence to established production schedules and performance standards. This position serves as the primary owner of line readiness and is responsible for ensuring all changeovers are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with standardized procedures to minimize downtime and maximize schedule attainment.

As the primary technical resource for assigned production equipment, the Mogul Manufacturing Technician performs operator-level preventative maintenance activities, executes equipment inspections, supports advanced troubleshooting efforts, and promotes equipment reliability through proactive ownership of machine condition and performance. This role works closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams to identify and implement solutions that improve equipment uptime, process capability, operational efficiency, product quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Line Ownership
  • Serve as the operational owner of the production line from Cooking through Shakeout.
  • Monitor and coordinate all manufacturing activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production.
  • Drive achievement of production targets related to throughput, efficiency, quality, OEE, and schedule attainment.
  • Identify and address operational issues, bottlenecks, and process disruptions impacting line performance.
  • Ensure adherence to standard work, operating procedures, and established process controls.
  • Coordinate activities across Cooking, Mogul, Trucker, Maintenance, Quality, and Shakeout operations to optimize line performance.
• Equipment Operation & Process Control
  • Operate advanced, highly automated mogul manufacturing equipment in accordance with established operating standards.
  • Monitor process conditions and critical operating parameters to ensure production stability and product consistency.
  • Make operational adjustments necessary to maintain quality, efficiency, and equipment performance.
  • Monitor equipment health and proactively identify abnormalities before they impact production.
  • Support startup, shutdown, sanitation, and production transition activities.
• Changeover Management & Line Readiness
  • Independently execute complete product changeovers and line setups.
  • Verify machine settings, recipes, tooling, molds, and process parameters prior to startup.
  • Conduct startup verification and ensure equipment readiness following changeovers.
  • Troubleshoot setup-related issues and optimize startup performance.
  • Support initiatives to reduce changeover duration and improve startup reliability.
• Equipment Ownership & Preventative Maintenance
  • Serve as the primary production owner for assigned mogul equipment and systems.
  • Perform operator-level preventative maintenance including inspections, lubrication, adjustments, cleaning, and condition monitoring.
  • Identify and communicate reliability concerns before equipment failures occur.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and support equipment history tracking.
  • Promote equipment care standards and proactive ownership throughout the department.
• Technical Troubleshooting & Reliability
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for equipment, operational, and process-related issues.
  • Assist in diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and process failures.
  • Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability and line performance.
  • Support corrective actions designed to reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
  • Participate in equipment upgrades, startup validation, and technical improvement initiatives.
• Safety, Food Safety & Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with all safety, GMP, HACCP, SQF, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct equipment and area inspections to verify safe operating conditions.
  • Immediately address or escalate safety, quality, and operational concerns.
  • Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Quality Management
  • Ensure all products meet established customer, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform required process checks and product inspections.
  • Maintain product traceability and accurate production documentation.
  • Identify, investigate, and respond to product quality concerns and process deviations.
  • Drive reduction of waste, rework, and quality losses.
• Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams to improve manufacturing performance.
  • Participate in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, and throughput.
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor for operators and developing technicians.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of mogul operations and confectionery manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform line operation, setup, changeovers, startup verification, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance activities on manufacturing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment diagnostic skills.
• Working knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, servo-controlled, and automated manufacturing systems preferred.
• Experience participating in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, maintenance procedures, and technical documentation preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Demonstrated leadership through technical expertise, equipment ownership, and commitment to operational excellence.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role operates primarily within a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to hot surfaces, steam, elevated temperatures, moving equipment, ingredient dust, and production-related noise. Required PPE and GMP-compliant attire must be worn at all times. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, walking, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be considered in accordance with applicable laws.

Additional Information

PIM Brands is a leading confectionery company with a portfolio of iconic brands including Welch’s® Fruit Snacks, Sun-Maid® Chocolate Raisins, and Sour Jacks® Sour Candies. Recognized as the #10 Candy Company in North America and #26 globally, PIM is also the maker of the #1 Fruit Snack in the U.S. The company has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Advocate of the Year Award, recognition by NJBIA for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and research/development, and being named a Top 100 Privately Owned Company in the Metro NYC Market and a Top 50 Employer in New Jersey.