Innovation Tech 1

Nombase Education; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is seeking an Innovation Tech 1 to operate and maintain pilot brewing systems, support new beverage concepts from grain to finished package, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in Chico and Mills River.

The role emphasizes safety, product quality, and process excellence, with responsibilities spanning raw materials handling, wort production, fermentation, and packaging preparation. Experience with SOPs and traceability will be valued.

Qualifications

• Diploma or certificate in Brewing / Fermentation Science from an accredited institution preferred.
• 2 years professional brewing experience required.
• Understanding of brewing from grain to package and SOP procedures.

Responsibilities

• Proficiently brews on Pilot Brewing systems and manages Pilot Cellar operations.
• Operates Pilot Racker and keg filling with CIP and traceability in systems.
• Maintains hygiene, safety, and quality; follows SOPs and supports SQF implementation.
• Assists in new product development and process improvements.
• Supports Chico operations and may drive a flatbed truck as needed.

Skills

Brewing operations

Quality control

Safety compliance

SOP adherence

Forklift operation

Education

Brewing/Fermentation program

Tools

Pilot brewing equipment

CIP procedures

Job description

Ken Grossman started Sierra Nevada in 1980 with a hand-built brewhouse and the odds stacked against him. That passion forever changed the course of American craft brewing and launched a beer revolution that's in full force today. Turns out, good beer can do a lot of good, and Sierra Nevada became a cornerstone for both its innovation and its care for the Earth and its people. We’re committed to advancing a culture of inclusion and believe diversity in all its forms makes us stronger. We keep pushing boundaries, whether that’s in the brewhouse, with sustainability, or in the great outdoors.

Get to Know This Role

The Innovation Tech 1 plays a critical hands-on role in executing Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.'s innovation agenda. This front-line operations position supports the development and execution of new beverage concepts by operating and maintaining the pilot brewing systems in both Chico and Mills River. Working closely with the Innovation Manager and cross-functional teams, the Innovation Tech 1 helps bring new ideas to life—from grain to finished package. The ideal candidate possesses a strong working knowledge of brewing operations, including raw material handling, wort production, fermentation, and packaging preparation. They consistently operate with a focus on safety, product quality, and process excellence, ensuring all trial batches meet rigorous standards and target specifications. In addition to production support, the Innovation Tech 1 will contribute to early-stage ideation and recipe development, bringing creativity, consumer awareness, and a passion for high-quality, defect-free products to every project. This is an excellent opportunity for a brewing professional looking to expand their impact on new product development and help shape the future of Sierra Nevada's portfolio through hands-on innovation.

What's In It For You

We’re committed to our employees and work hard to prove it. For starters, we’re offering $24.59 to $38.00 hourly compensation for this role. Individual offers are based on skills, experience, and qualifications, and geographical location.

But base pay is just the beginning. We support your future by offering a generous 10% company match on 401(k) contributions, providing learning and development opportunities, and fostering your safety at work with ongoing trainings, state-of-the-art equipment, and preventative care. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, an onsite medical clinic, as well as mental health and well-being benefits including paid sick leave. We foster a culture of work-life balance and always encourage employees to use and enjoy their generous paid time off.

What You Will Do

• Proficiently brews and works on Pilot Brewing systems to include the Pilot Brewhouse, Pilot Cellar operations, and Pilot Filtration. Stages materials and prepares for brewing according to set recipes and schedules, including staging all materials.
• Proficiently works on all Innovation/Small batch equipment
• Proficiently operates Pilot Racker (keg filling), including CIPs and traceability in computer systems.
• Proficiently operates all barrel transfer equipment and beer movement (including driving flatbed for Chico technicians)
• React appropriately when limits identified by SOP’s are exceeded and escalates abnormalities
• Follow all SOPs and best practices for brewing operations (Brewing, Cellar, and Filtration) in a safe and efficient manner; create SOPs as needed; evaluate and recommend practice changes for existing SOPs
• Perform CIP of brewing vessels, tanks, process lines, fermenters, centrifuges, filters and yeast brinks including assembly and disassembly of process lines and loops; mixes and uses chemicals safely
• Maintain an organized, sanitary, and safe work area by cleaning up messes quickly after created, keeping tools in appropriate places after use, and sterilizing any item that may contact product immediately after use
• (Chico, CA only) This role is responsible for production and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Safe Quality Food (SQF) System as defined in the SQF Code. There will be Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety and Food Security Training as required by Local, State, Federal and SNBC policies. All duties will be completed in a manner that is consistent with all aspects of Company Safety Rules, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF). Employees shall report food safety & quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.

Please Apply if You Have

• Diploma or certificate in Brewing / Fermentation Science from an accredited institution preferred or
• any combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved preferred
• 2 years professional brewing experience required
• Proven track record demonstrating understanding of the brewing process from grain to delivering liquid to package
• Ability to work independently and take on projects which will requiring out of the box thinking
• Comprehensive understanding of all brewing functional areas including raw materials handling, brewhouse operations, cellar management, and filtration procedures
• Knowledge of pilot can line operations, including filler and dry side (for Chico operations)
• Understanding of COP, CIP, sanitation and sterilization techniques
• Understanding of specific beer process terminologies
• The ability to quickly assess the status of operations and troubleshoot processes strongly desired
• Demonstrated ability to work with automated processes interface, as well as manual brewery operations is strongly desired
• A demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining a strong attention to detail is essential
• A demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in a cross-functional, cross-departmental team environment
• A demonstrated ability to work autonomously and make critical decisions
• Ability to accurately follow SOPs
• Strong work ethic and high level of professionalism
• Ability to obtain a valid forklift license and safely operate a forklift
• Ability to drive a flat bed truck (for Chico operations)
• Forklift Certification within 90 Days

Additional Requirements to Consider Before Applying

• You must be at least 21 years of age to work for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment, post offer background check.

Before applying for this role, please review the full job description, including the physical demands and working environment: https://sierranevada.jdxpert.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=2&id=3117

Thisposition will remain open until filled;online applications will be reviewed weekly

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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