Distillation Technician

Job Title: Distillation TechnicianJob Description

The Distillation Technician safely operates and monitors distillation equipment and related production processes to manufacture high‑quality products that meet strict safety and production standards. This role performs hands-on production activities in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and company safety requirements, while maintaining accurate production documentation and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. This position works on 3rd shift, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with minimal and voluntary overtime.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor distillation equipment and related production processes to ensure products meet quality, safety, and production standards.

• Perform manual production tasks including material handling and staging, batching, mixing, blending, packaging, cleaning, and sanitizing in support of natural dairy flavor manufacturing.

• Follow all GMP, HACCP, and production procedures for assigned work and ensure they are accurately documented.

• Utilize computer-based inventory control systems to track materials, batches, and production activities.

• Complete quality documentation and maintain accurate production records in accordance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.

• Read and interpret batch records and production instructions to execute compounding and production steps precisely.

• Apply mechanical aptitude to set up, adjust, and troubleshoot production and distillation equipment as needed within defined safety parameters.

• Adhere to all safety guidelines and food safety requirements, including HACCP, GMP, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) program practices.

• Collaborate with team members to meet production goals, support continuous improvement efforts, and maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and scissor lifts safely and efficiently as required.

• Manage frequent changes and unexpected delays in production schedules, responding professionally and maintaining productivity under pressure.

• Follow precise instructions from SOPs, supervisors, and batch records to ensure consistent product quality and process reliability.

• Support cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and production areas to maintain hygienic conditions in a food flavor and probiotic ingredient facility.

• Participate in team-oriented initiatives and communication to foster a cooperative and supportive work culture.

Essential Skills

• 6 months to 5 years of experience in food production, mixing, blending, compounding, or related manufacturing environments.

• Hands-on experience with mixing and blending processes; liquid or dairy blending experience is strongly preferred.

• Practical knowledge and intermediate understanding of food safety requirements, including HACCP.

• Basic understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a food manufacturing setting.

• Basic understanding of Safe Quality Food (SQF) program principles.

• Ability to read and follow batch records and detailed production instructions accurately.

• Experience with quality documentation and maintaining precise production records.

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to work with production and distillation equipment.

• Ability to operate a forklift and scissor lift safely.

• Strong attention to detail with a responsible, self‑motivated approach to work.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction with team members and documentation.

• Ability to follow precise instructions and adhere to established procedures and SOPs.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment.

• Ability to manage frequent changes, unexpected delays, and work professionally under pressure while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in food manufacturing or food flavor production is highly beneficial.

• Experience working within HACCP and GMP frameworks in a regulated environment.

• Background in compounding or blending of food, liquid, or dairy products is a plus.

• Comfort using computer-based inventory control systems and production software.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and shifting priorities.

• Demonstrated reliability and accountability in previous production or manufacturing roles.

• Ability to contribute to a team-oriented, family-style workplace culture.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food flavor and probiotic ingredient manufacturing facility with a strong focus on food safety, quality, and cleanliness. The environment is production-oriented, requiring frequent interaction with distillation systems, mixing and blending equipment, and material handling tools such as forklifts and scissor lifts. Work is performed on 3rd shift, Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., providing a consistent schedule with minimal and voluntary overtime. The facility operates under HACCP, GMP, and Safe Quality Food program standards, with clear procedures and documentation requirements. The culture is family owned, team oriented, and supportive, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. Employees benefit from a lunch program, a competitive vacation and holiday program, and a comprehensive benefits package. Dress and personal protective equipment align with standard food manufacturing requirements, including appropriate attire and safety gear to maintain hygienic and safe working conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of SAUKVILLE, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $41600.00 - $52000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

This is a direct placement position. Benefits will be provided upon start of assignment or sooner if requested by the candidate.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in SAUKVILLE,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.