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, quality, and production standards. This role performs hands-on production activities in a food flavor and probiotic ingredient facility, working in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) requirements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and company safety policies. The position follows a 3rd shift schedule, focuses on accurate production documentation, and actively supports continuous improvement initiatives within a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor distillation equipment and related production systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.
• Perform manual production tasks including material handling and staging, batching, mixing, blending, packaging, cleaning, and sanitizing in support of natural dairy flavor manufacturing.
• Follow and document all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and production procedures for assigned work to maintain compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Use a computer-based inventory control system to track materials, batches, and production activities accurately.
• Complete quality documentation and production records with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Follow precise written and verbal instructions, SOPs, and batch records to ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines and company safety requirements while working with equipment, chemicals, and food ingredients.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to meet production goals and maintain a safe, efficient, and clean work environment.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in the distillation and production processes.
• Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and scissor lifts to move materials and products as needed.
• Adapt to frequent changes in production priorities, respond to unexpected delays, and maintain professionalism under pressure.

Essential Skills

• Intermediate knowledge and understanding of food safety requirements, including HACCP.
• Basic understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Basic understanding of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program.
• Experience in food production, with 6 months to 5 years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• Experience with mixing and blending processes; liquid or dairy blending experience is particularly valuable.
• Ability to complete quality documentation accurately and consistently.
• Ability to read and follow batch records and detailed production instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude to work safely and effectively with production and distillation equipment.
• Experience in compounding and production processes in a food or flavor manufacturing environment.
• Detail-oriented, responsible, and self-motivated work style.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to follow precise instructions and established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to manage frequent changes and unexpected delays while maintaining professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to operate a forklift and scissor lift, or willingness to learn with appropriate training.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in a food manufacturing, food flavor, or dairy processing environment.
• Hands-on experience with HACCP, GMP, and food safety documentation.
• Familiarity with computer-based inventory control systems.
• Previous exposure to Safe Quality Food (SQF) programs or similar food safety schemes.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Strong problem-solving skills and mechanical troubleshooting aptitude.
• Comfort working with natural dairy flavors and probiotic ingredients.

Work Environment

This role is based in a food flavor and probiotic ingredient facility within a family-owned, team-oriented company culture. The position operates on a 3rd shift schedule, typically from 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, providing a consistent four-day workweek. Overtime is minimal and generally voluntary, supporting a healthy work-life balance. You will work around distillation systems, mixing and blending equipment, and other food production machinery, and will use technologies such as computer-based inventory control systems and material handling equipment including forklifts and scissor lifts. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to food safety, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements, with regular cleaning and sanitizing activities to maintain a hygienic facility. The company offers a structured lunch program for every employee, along with a competitive vacation and holiday program and a comprehensive benefits package, creating a supportive and stable workplace focused on safety, quality, and collaboration.

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.

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 Aug 20, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.