Plant Maintenance Technician I

Ijw-Whiskey-Company; Shelbyville (KY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is expanding its distillery operations and seeking a Plant Maintenance Technician in Shelbyville, KY. You will maintain distillery and packaging equipment, troubleshoot PLCs and electrical systems, and work with contractors to ensure reliable operations.

Candidate will have 2–4 years of plant maintenance experience, a high school diploma, and a focus on safety. The role supports distillery, storage, blending, and bottling processes with a strong emphasis on OSHA

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in plant maintenance.
• High school diploma required; technical training/certifications preferred.
• Experience in distillery, brewery, bottling, packaging, or food/beverage production maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain distillery equipment: boilers, grain handling, mash tuns, fermenters, stills, pumps, valves, piping and related equipment.
• Maintain blending and bottling line equipment: rinsers, fillers, cappers, labelers, conveyors.
• Maintain plant systems: HVAC, electrical, steam, water, and compressed air.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues; respond to maintenance requests and emergencies.
• Assist with installations, upgrades, commissioning; document maintenance activities.
• Ensure safety compliance and maintain clean, organized work environment.
• Work with external contractors for specialized repairs or inspections.

Skills

Plant maintenance

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

CMMS proficiency

Forklift experience

Safety compliance

Electrical & mechanical systems

Education

High school diploma

Technical training/certifications

Tools

PLC systems

Pneumatics/Hydraulics

Control panels

Welding/fabrication

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.