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Distillery Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Maintenance Technician I

Shelbyville, KY ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for ... The Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining all plant equipment related to the ...

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Lawrenceburg, KY ยท On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Electro-Mechanical Technician Job Location: Lawrenceburg, KY Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor ... This will include, but will not be limited to, all areas of production (Granary, Distillery, Dry ...

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Distillery Technician information

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How much do distillery technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery technician in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distillery technician?

A Distillery Technician is a professional responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in the production of spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or gin. They monitor the distillation process, ensure quality control, and handle raw materials and finished products. Distillery Technicians also maintain cleanliness, follow safety protocols, and sometimes assist in bottling and packaging. Their work is essential in producing high-quality distilled beverages efficiently and safely.

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

To thrive as a Distillery Technician, you need a solid understanding of fermentation, distillation processes, and quality control, often backed by a science-related degree or relevant technical training. Familiarity with automated control systems, laboratory equipment, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure product consistency, operational safety, and efficiency in a highly regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by distillery technicians in maintaining production quality, and how are they typically addressed?

Distillery Technicians often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting mechanical issues with equipment, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards. To address these issues, technicians regularly monitor and calibrate machinery, follow detailed standard operating procedures, and collaborate closely with quality control and maintenance teams. Continuous training and proactive communication with supervisors help technicians stay ahead of potential problems, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality output.

What is the difference between Distillery Technician vs Brewer?

AspectDistillery TechnicianBrewer
CredentialsRelevant certifications, technical training in distillationBrewing certifications, food science or microbiology background
Work EnvironmentDistilleries, alcohol production facilitiesBreweries, beverage production plants
Industry UsageAlcohol, spirits industryBeer, craft brewing industry
Job FocusDistillation process, spirit quality controlBrewing process, beer quality and fermentation

While both roles involve working in beverage production facilities, a Distillery Technician specializes in spirits and distillation processes, whereas a Brewer focuses on beer brewing and fermentation. They share similar certifications and work environments but differ in their specific production techniques and industry focus.

How to start working at a distillery technician?

To become a distillery technician, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical skills related to equipment operation and maintenance. Relevant experience in manufacturing or laboratory work can be beneficial, and some employers may require certifications in safety or specific technical areas. Gaining knowledge of distillation processes and safety protocols is also important for entry-level positions.
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What cities are hiring for Distillery Technician jobs?

Cities with the most Distillery Technician job openings:

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What states have the most Distillery Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Distillery Technician jobs include:

Infographic showing various Distillery Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,888 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Maintenance Supervisor - Buffalo Trace Distillery

Media Kit

Frankfort, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead campus-wide maintenance operations by supervising mechanics and electricians to ensure efficient operation of distillery, bottling, and packaging lines.

  • Inspire, coach, and develop the maintenance team, fostering a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

  • Ensure safety, quality, and compliance by conducting inspections, maintaining equipment according to standards, and resolving quality issues promptly.


Job description

Job Description/Responsibilities

The opportunity:

This is not your average maintenance role. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a National Historic Landmark spanning 450 acres in Frankfort, Kentucky - a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye, and vodka with a tradition dating back to 1773. The campus is a living piece of American history, with a legacy shaped by legends such as E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, and Elmer T. Lee.

As Maintenance Supervisor, you will hold the keys to keeping this entire iconic campus running at peak performance. This is a campus-wide leadership role - not a single-line or single-building assignment. You will command a skilled team of mechanics and electricians, drive a culture of operational excellence, and leave your mark on one of the most celebrated distilleries in the world.

What you'll do:

Lead Campus-Wide Maintenance Operations

  • Direct and supervise mechanics and electricians across the full 450-acre campus, ensuring distillery, bottling, and packaging lines operate at peak efficiency.
  • Serve as the primary maintenance leader for the entire site - anticipating challenges, resolving issues proactively, and setting the standard for operational excellence.
  • Plan and implement campus-wide operational and mechanical improvements, contributing to long-term infrastructure strategies.

Drive Team Success & Build a Winning Culture

  • Inspire, coach, and develop your maintenance team - creating a culture where every technician is empowered to grow, excel, and take pride in maintaining a world-class facility.
  • Motivate your team with clear goals, structured development plans, and consistent recognition of high performance.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Deliver impactful technical training to maintenance technicians, mechanics, and operators, elevating skill levels across the board.

Ensure Safety, Quality & Compliance - Always

  • Champion a safety-first mindset across every inch of the campus - leading by example, conducting inspections, and ensuring co-workers never work unsafely.
  • Ensure all equipment is installed, set up, and maintained in full compliance with package specifications, Food Safety, OSHA, HACCP, and Environmental Policies.
  • Analyze and resolve quality problems related to the Maintenance Department swiftly and decisively.

Optimize Performance & Manage Resources

  • Track efficiencies and production data to continuously improve yields and output across all campus operations.
  • Assist in preparing and managing annual operating budgets for the Maintenance Department, reducing costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Evaluate employee performance, identify skill gaps, and build targeted improvement plans that move the needle.
Qualifications/Requirements

What you'll bring:

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 3+ years of relevant maintenance leadership experience
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Good vision and manual dexterity

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in beverage processing or distillery/manufacturing environments
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
  • 4+ years designing and/or implementing OSHA, HACCP, or USDA programs

Working hours are 6pm-6am on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule

Why join our team?

  • Lead maintenance across one of America's most iconic and historic distilleries
  • Shape the future of a 450-acre campus that is a National Historic Landmark
  • Join a company with 20+ consecutive years of double-digit growth
  • Competitive salary, full benefits, and a culture that invests in your development
  • Be part of the team behind the world's most award-winning distillery

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Employment Type: OTHER