Plant Maintenance Technician I

IJW Whiskey Company; Shelbyville (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

IJW Whiskey Company is seeking a Plant Maintenance Technician to service distillery equipment and related facilities. The role covers boilers, mash tuns, fermenters, stills, packaging lines, HVAC, and electrical systems, with emphasis on preventive maintenance and safety.

You will troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, respond to emergencies, and document repairs while ensuring a clean, safe work environment and adherence to regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of plant maintenance experience.
• High school diploma required; technical training preferred.
• Experience in distillery, bottling or food/beverage production maintenance.
• Ability to read schematics and manuals; basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance on distillery equipment: boilers, mash tuns, fermenters, stills, pumps and piping.
• Maintain packaging systems: rinsers, fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Document activities and maintain a safe, organized work environment.

Skills

Plant maintenance experience

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Technical training and certifications

Tools

CMMS

Forklift

PLC, sensors, control panels

Pneumatics & hydraulics

Job description

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2026, and a Japanese distillery in Chitose that will be completed in late 2026.

With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila and Mezcal brands.

About The Role

The Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining all plant equipment related to the distillation, storage, blending, and bottling of distilled spirits. This role also includes supporting facilities maintenance.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance on all plant equipment, to include:
• Distillery: boilers, grain handling, mash tuns, fermenters, stills, pumps, valves, piping systems, and other related equipment.
• Blending and Bottling: rinsers, fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors, and related packaging systems
• Plant: HVAC, electrical, steam, water, and compressed air systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and emergencies.
• Assist in equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning
• Document maintenance activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA, EPA, TTB, and company safety and environmental regulations.
• Assist in maintaining spare parts inventory.
• Work with external contractors for specialized repairs or inspections
• Assist with or perform facility maintenance tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience with plant maintenance
• High school diploma required.
• Technical training and certifications are preferred.
• Experience in distillery, brewery, bottling, packaging, or food/beverage production maintenance.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems and equipment, to include PLCs, sensors, motors, control panels, pneumatics, hydraulics, and basic instrumentation.
• Ability to read schematics, manuals, and technical manuals.
• CMMS proficiency and basic computer skills.
• Forklift experience.
• Welding or fabrication skills a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting at a desk and working with a computer.
• Must be able to lift 100 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities, climb stairs, and work at heights.
• Must be able to work in areas that are not climate controlled.