Technical Malting Supervisor

About the role

RahrBSG is seeking a Technical Malting Supervisor to join our team in Shakopee, MN. The role supports the day-to-day operations of a malting facility, ensuring high-quality malt production that meets customer and process specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support oversight of all stages of the malting process (steeping, germination, kilning) with a focus on process stability and optimization.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles to improve grain hydration, modification, airflow, moisture control, and thermal efficiency.
• Analyze production data to identify process variability, yield loss, or energy inefficiencies.
• Assist in developing and refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for malting operations.
• Evaluate equipment performance and partner with Maintenance to improve reliability and asset utilization.
• Account for all daily factors that influence product quality and utilize predictive models for consistent malt production within spec.
• Develop metrics to monitor production trends and adjust processes and recipes accordingly.
• Identify opportunities to automate and drive efficiencies throughout the production process.
• Work closely with the barley supply team to efficiently manage available inputs.
• Effectively lead a production team and propose opportunities for efficiencies or cost reduction in the malting process.
• Interface with the quality and commercial teams to ensure finished product meets customer expectations.
• Support daily production activities to ensure schedules and quality standards are achieved.
• Maintain batch records, process deviations, and quality data to ensure compliance and traceability.
• Assist in troubleshooting operational or quality issues using data-driven problem-solving methods.
• Identify capital improvement opportunities and equipment upgrades.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure raw barley and finished malt meet established specifications.
• Support implementation of quality assurance and food safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, OSHA, State, City, and Company safety and sanitation standards.
• Promote a safety-first mindset within production teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance energy efficiency.
• Aid in implementing process monitoring tools, automation improvements, and performance dashboards.
• Support cross-functional initiatives involving R&D, Supply Chain, and Quality to improve malting methods.
• Support production teams and shift operations as needed.
• Assist in training operators on procedures, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide day-to-day support and guidance to production teams.
• Assist in training operators on process controls and engineering-based best practices.
• Build leadership capability through increasing responsibility in shift oversight and project ownership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field (e.g., agronomy, food science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering) required.
• Experience and/or education in agricultural processing, food manufacturing, grain handling, or related process industry preferred.
• Internship, co-op, or project experience involving grain systems, thermal processes, airflow systems, or biological process optimization strongly preferred.
• Ability to respond to after-hours operational needs as required.

Skills

• Strong understanding of biological systems, grain science, and process engineering principles.
• Foundational knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid flow, moisture transfer, and heat transfer applications in agricultural systems.
• Ability to analyze production data and apply engineering reasoning to improve outcomes.
• Strong technical problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand industrial equipment and control systems.
• Familiarity with process monitoring systems, PLCs, or manufacturing data systems preferred.
• Strong communication skills with ability to translate technical findings into operational action.
• Self-motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operators, maintenance teams, and leadership.
• Ethical, safety-conscious, and accountable.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Starting Base Salary Between $75,000 - $85,000 Annual Bonus
• Medical benefits with coverage paid for at 90%
• Dental and Vision Programs
• Generous Annual 401(k) Company Contribution of 15%
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous PTO Sick Time
• 12 Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Career Growth and Progression Paths