JOB DESCRIPTION – Brewery Packaging Sanitation Technician & Line Operator

Position Details:

Position Summary:

The Brewery Packaging Sanitation Technician & Line Operator will execute daily Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sanitation protocols on our canning, kegging, and packaging machinery to meet strict Brewery Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety standards. A successful candidate will be part of a team maintaining equipment needed for efficient, reliable beverage packaging.

In addition to deep-cleaning and sanitation, this role is critical to maintaining momentum by leading material staging (cans, cartons, trays) for rapid AM startups, and stepping in as a relief packaging line operator to run the line during end-of-day peak production demands. Must be quality-conscious, operate safely, and communicate effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Clean-in-Place (CIP) & Deep Sanitation

• Execute automated and manual Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Clean-out-of-Place (COP) sanitization cycles on fillers, seamers, tanks, pipelines, and packaging machinery using sanitary tri-clamp fittings.
• Safely handle, mix, and perform titration checks on sanitation chemicals (caustic, acid, and sanitizers).
• Disassemble, clean, sanitize, inspect, and reassemble product-contact parts and line equipment.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on packaging equipment and product-contact components.
• Complete sanitation records, chemical logs, and hygiene documentation accurately and on time.

Packaging Line Operation & End-of-Day Production

• Act as a Relief Packaging Line Operator, taking over line operations (canning/kegging) for ~1 hour at the end of the shift when production demand dictates.
• Perform pre-operation checks, troubleshoot basic mechanical or operational issues, and support line improvements.
• Conduct in-line packaging quality control (QC) checks and collect samples for Quality Assurance (QA) testing.

AM Line Setup & Material Staging

• Stage raw packaging materials (empty cans, ends, cartons, trays, pallets) to ensure a rapid, seamless morning startup for the next shift.
• Prepare, organize, and perform line changeovers for upcoming production runs.
• Maintain clean, safe, and clutter-free work areas, floors, and equipment surfaces throughout the facility.

Safety & Quality Compliance

• Follow all established SOPs, GMPs, chemical safety, and food safety standards.
• Immediately report any food safety, quality, or mechanical concerns 

Qualifications & Requirements

• Age: Must be 21+ years of age 
• Experience: Previous experience in beverage packaging or high-speed food manufacturing is a plus
• Technical Savvy: Understanding of pressurized systems, chemical safety, and automated production machinery.
• Leadership: Proven ability to coach others, give constructive feedback, ability to operate without direct supervision.
• Licensing: Forklift operation experience is required.
• Software: Proficiency in Excel and data entry for production logging.

Physical & Environmental Demands

• Active Production: Ability to stand, crouch, and move within a loud, fast-paced manufacturing environment for extended periods.
• Strength: Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. (maneuvering kegs) and perform repetitive movements.
• Conditions: Comfort working around water, steam, and cleaning chemicals in varying temperatures.

Core Competencies

• Mechanical Aptitude: You don't just push buttons; you understand how the machine works.
• Sense of Urgency: You thrive in a "minutes matter" production environment.
• Attention to Detail: You notice an issue before it becomes a serious problem.