Automation Technician (Food & Beverage)

Nombase; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrel RM in Torrance, CA is seeking a hands-on Automation Technician to own the day-to-day operation of its automation-driven spirits processing systems.

You will run production on automated equipment, monitor processes, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with maintenance and controls staff to keep batches consistent and traceable.

Qualifications

• 3+ years operating automated manufacturing equipment or 5+ years hands-on experience without a degree.
• Experience operating equipment via HMIs and interpreting alarms and readings.
• Hands-on troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems in a production environment.
• Experience with packaging, bottling, or canning equipment.
• Strong documentation of run notes and maintenance records.

Responsibilities

• Operate Barrel RM’s automated spirits processing equipment, including blending, proofing, transfers, filtration, and cleaning/CIP systems.
• Run batches using defined recipes and setpoints, monitor key process readings, and make appropriate in-process adjustments.
• Diagnose alarms, fault codes, sensors, and equipment issues, troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems to keep production moving.
• Provide hands‑on production support during runs, including equipment setup, hose and valve routing, changeovers, filter swaps, and basic resets or repairs.
• Execute cleaning/CIP routines, preventive maintenance, inspections, and equipment-readiness checks.
• Document production runs, equipment issues, troubleshooting steps, maintenance needs, and outcomes so processes remain traceable and repeatable.
• Coordinate with maintenance, vendors, controls support, and other technical resources when issues require additional expertise.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and make production more consistent and efficient.

Skills

Automation equipment

HMI operation

Troubleshooting

Packaging/ bottling

Documentation

Education

Technical degree or certification

Tools

PLC programming

Job description

Barrel RM is a spirits technology and manufacturing partner helping alcohol beverage brands innovate, scale, and respond to market demand faster than ever before. Powered by our proprietary rapid-aging spirit technology, we eliminate the traditional time and capital bottlenecks of spirits production—enabling rapid product development and delivering cost efficiencies.

As an early-stage team, we are looking for builders who want to get in on the ground floor, help define our culture, and actively shape the modern infrastructure of a centuries-old industry.

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Automation Technician who will own the day-to-day operation and performance of Barrel RM’s automation-driven spirits processing systems.

In this role, you’ll run production through automated equipment, monitor and adjust processes, troubleshoot issues, and help ensure every batch is consistent, traceable, and completed efficiently. You’ll work across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control systems while partnering with production, engineering, maintenance, and outside technical support as needed.

This is a role for someone who wants responsibility for both the equipment and the outcome. On any given day, you might run a batch through the spirit processor, diagnose an alarm or sensor issue, execute a CIP cycle, troubleshoot a piece of equipment, complete preventive maintenance, support a bottling or canning run, or identify an improvement that makes the process more reliable.

What You’ll Do

• Operate Barrel RM’s automated spirits processing equipment, including blending, proofing, transfers, filtration, and cleaning/CIP systems.
• Run batches using defined recipes and setpoints, monitor key process readings, and make appropriate in-process adjustments.
• Diagnose alarms, fault codes, sensors, and equipment issues, troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems to keep production moving.
• Provide hands‑on production support during runs, including equipment setup, hose and valve routing, changeovers, filter swaps, and basic resets or repairs.
• Execute cleaning/CIP routines, preventive maintenance, inspections, and equipment-readiness checks.
• Document production runs, equipment issues, troubleshooting steps, maintenance needs, and outcomes so processes remain traceable and repeatable.
• Coordinate with maintenance, vendors, controls support, and other technical resources when issues require additional expertise.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and make production more consistent and efficient.

What Success Looks Like

• Production runs are completed safely and consistently, with processes staying within defined operating parameters.
• Equipment issues and alarms are identified early, resolved efficiently, and clearly documented.
• Preventive maintenance and cleaning routines keep equipment ready to run and reduce avoidable downtime.
• Production data and run documentation are accurate, consistent, and useful for improving repeatability.
• Equipment, spare parts, and basic maintenance systems stay organized and ready when needed.
• As Barrel RM grows, operating and troubleshooting practices become increasingly standardized, reliable, and scalable.

Who This Role Is For

• You enjoy operating automation-driven equipment and understanding how mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls systems work together.
• You’re comfortable moving between operating equipment, troubleshooting problems, performing hands‑on production work, and documenting what happened.
• You approach problems methodically, know how to work through an issue, and recognize when it’s time to bring in additional technical support.
• You’re willing to take on both technical challenges and routine production or maintenance work with the same level of care.
• You take ownership of the equipment and processes you’re responsible for and want to understand how to make them better over time.
• You thrive in a small, fast‑moving environment where priorities can change and not everything comes with a defined process or playbook.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating or supporting automated manufacturing equipment with a related technical degree or certification, or 5+ years of comparable hands‑on experience without one.
• Experience operating equipment through HMIs and interpreting alarms, fault codes, sensors, setpoints, and basic system readings.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting experience across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems in a production environment.
• Experience with packaging, bottling, canning, or comparable production equipment.
• Strong documentation and follow-through, including run notes, maintenance records, checklists, or issue summaries.
• Able to work full‑time on‑site.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with PLC programming or industrial controls.
• Experience in beverage alcohol, brewing, food & beverage, CPG, chemical, pharmaceutical, or another automated process-manufacturing environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role works primarily in a warehouse and production environment with varying temperatures and moderate to high noise levels during production runs. The role requires standing and moving throughout the facility, working around production equipment, and lifting and moving up to 50 lbs. Appropriate PPE and adherence to company health and safety requirements are required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Barrel RM is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States, as required by law.