Distillation Technician

This role safely operates and monitors distillation equipment and related production processes to manufacture high-quality products that meet strict safety, quality, and production standards in a food flavor and probiotic ingredient facility.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor distillation equipment and related production systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.
• Perform manual production tasks including material handling and staging, batching, mixing, blending, packaging, cleaning, and sanitizing in support of natural dairy flavor manufacturing.
• Follow and document all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and production procedures for assigned work to maintain compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Use a computer-based inventory control system to track materials, batches, and production activities accurately.
• Complete quality documentation and production records with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Follow precise written and verbal instructions, SOPs, and batch records to ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and company safety requirements while working with equipment, chemicals, and food ingredients.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to meet production goals and maintain a safe, efficient, and clean work environment.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in the distillation and production processes.
• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and scissor lifts to move materials and products as needed.
• Adapt to frequent changes in production priorities, respond to unexpected delays, and maintain professionalism under pressure.

Requirements

• Intermediate knowledge and understanding of food safety requirements, including HACCP.
• Basic understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Basic understanding of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program.
• Experience in food production, with 6 months to 5 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Experience with mixing and blending processes; liquid or dairy blending experience is particularly valuable.
• Ability to complete quality documentation accurately and consistently.
• Ability to read and follow batch records and detailed production instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude to work safely and effectively with production and distillation equipment.
• Experience in compounding and production processes in a food or flavor manufacturing environment.
• Detail-oriented, responsible, and self-motivated work style.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to follow precise instructions and established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to manage frequent changes and unexpected delays while maintaining professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to operate a forklift and scissor lift, or willingness to learn with appropriate training.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a food manufacturing, food flavor, or dairy processing environment.
• Hands-on experience with HACCP, GMP, and food safety documentation.
• Familiarity with computer-based inventory control systems.
• Previous exposure to Safe Quality Food (SQF) programs or similar food safety schemes.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical troubleshooting aptitude.
• Comfort working with natural dairy flavors and probiotic ingredients.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food flavor and probiotic ingredient facility within a family-owned, team-oriented company culture. The position operates on a 3rd shift schedule, typically from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, providing a consistent four-day workweek. Overtime is minimal and generally voluntary, supporting a healthy work–life balance.

You will work around distillation systems, mixing and blending equipment, and other food production machinery, and will use technologies such as computer-based inventory control systems and material handling equipment including forklifts and scissor lifts. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to food safety, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements, with regular cleaning and sanitizing activities to maintain a hygienic facility.

Schedule

• 3rd shift: 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday
• Minimal, generally voluntary overtime

Pay

$41,600.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Structured lunch program for every employee
• Competitive vacation and holiday program
• Comprehensive benefits package

This is a permanent, fully onsite position located in Saukville, WI.