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Distillery Process Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Distillery Process information

See Montana salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do distillery process jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery process in Montana is $23.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distillery process?

A distillery process refers to the series of steps involved in producing distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or rum. This process typically includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. During distillation, alcohol is separated from the fermented mixture by heating and cooling, concentrating the alcohol and flavors. The process ensures the final spirit meets quality and safety standards while achieving the desired taste and character. Distillery workers operate and monitor equipment, maintain cleanliness, and follow strict regulations to ensure a safe and consistent product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distillery process operator?

To thrive as a Distillery Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and a background in food science or industrial operations, often supported by relevant vocational training or certifications. Familiarity with distillation equipment, process control systems (such as SCADA), and safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are important to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production in a regulated distillery environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in distillery process roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in distillery process roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, adhering to safety regulations, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. The work environment typically involves operating in shifts and collaborating closely with team members in production, quality assurance, and maintenance. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay updated on standard operating procedures, participate in regular safety training, and foster open communication among team members to quickly address and resolve process issues. Developing strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail will also help ensure smooth and efficient operations.

What is the difference between Distillery Process vs Distillery Technician?

AspectDistillery ProcessDistillery Technician
CredentialsKnowledge of distillation methods, certifications varyTechnical certifications, experience in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentProduction floors, distillation units, laboratoriesEquipment rooms, production lines, maintenance areas
Industry UsageDescribes the overall process of producing spiritsPerforms technical tasks within the distillery process

While the distillery process refers to the entire method of producing spirits, a distillery technician is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment within that process. The technician ensures smooth production, adhering to safety and quality standards, whereas the process encompasses the broader steps involved in distillation.

How to start working at a distillery process?

To start working in a distillery process role, gain relevant experience or education in fermentation, distillation, or brewing, and consider obtaining certifications such as a food safety or alcohol production license. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and familiarity with safety protocols in a manufacturing environment.

What job categories do people searching Distillery Process jobs in Montana look for?

The top searched job categories for Distillery Process jobs in Montana are:

Infographic showing various Distillery Process job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,633 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Senior Process Control Engineer

Automationtechies

Billings, MT • On-site

$133K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Senior Process Control Engineer

Location: Billings, MT
Salary: $133,000–$199,000 per year

Take a lead role in refinery process engineering with a growing energy company that values technical expertise, innovation, collaboration, and work/life balance.

Our client is seeking an Senior Process Control Engineer to support refinery operations, process optimization, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work across multiple process areas, including crude distillation, hydrotreating, naphtha reforming, isomerization, asphalt blending, sulfur recovery, and refinery utilities.

What You'll Do

  • Provide process control engineering support to refinery operations and maintenance
  • Lead projects from concept and process design through construction and startup
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, reliability, production, and process efficiency
  • Perform process control design, simulation, optimization, and debottlenecking studies
  • Develop engineering specifications, project cost estimates, and economic justifications
  • Support DCS projects and participate in process hazard analyses
  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Safety, IT, Laboratory, and Engineering teams

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering
  • 5+ years of oil refining experience
  • Experience with basic and advanced supervisory continuous process control fundamentals, configuration, tuning, troubleshooting, and support.
  • Experience with Honeywell TDC-3000 required
  • Familiarity with alarm management, abnormal situation management, historian management
  • Intermediate experience in Advanced Process Controls, including MPC (specifically AspenTech DMC), online economic optimizers, etc. preferred
  • Experience in refining, oil & gas, petrochemicals or similar preferred
  • Exposure to and interest in more modern DCS platforms (esp. DeltaV) preferred
  • Experience with distillation, fluid hydraulics, and heat transfer preferred
  • Process control design, simulation, and project management experience
  • Strong technical problem-solving and communication skills
  • Ability to manage priorities and work independently

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary range of $133,000–$199,000
  • Annual incentive opportunity targeted at 15%
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee stock purchase program
  • Unlimited paid time off for eligible salaried employees
  • Twelve paid holidays
  • Educational reimbursement and retirement benefits

This is an opportunity to lead high-impact refinery projects, work with experienced technical teams, and contribute to the growth of a dynamic energy organization.

Apply today to advance your process engineering career in Billings, Montana.