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Overview Job Title:

Senior High Pressure Boiler Mechanic and Distillation Operations for

Spirits Location:

Wilson, NC area

Position Type:

Full-Time, Permanent Target Pay Range:

$30/hour- $32/hour (Starting wage dependent on boiler experience)

Benefits:

Medical Insurance, Holidays, Paid Time Off, Funded Craft Distilling Continuing Education, Employee Product Discounts Position Overview At Liberty & Plenty Distillery, we blend scientific precision with the heritage of craft spirits. Because elite spirits require pristine, reliable heat, our high-pressure steam boiler is the beating heart of our production floor. We are seeking a skilled High-Pressure Boiler Mechanic who wants to do more than just turn wrenches in a standard utility closet. In this dual-craft role, you will oversee the safety, upkeep, and efficiency of our high-pressure steam and production utility networks. Concurrently, you will be systematically cross-trained with our production team to master the art and science of Beverage Distillation. You will bridge the gap between utilities and liquid production—learning to operate our custom stills, manage fermentations, and directly influence the creation of award-winning spirits. Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)

Technical Experience:

Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and operating industrial high-pressure steam boilers (>15 PSI) and associated mechanical utility systems.

National Competency Certification:

Because North Carolina does not issue individual state operator licenses, candidates must hold a recognized national credential to verify technical competency: NIULPE (National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers): 3rd Class Power Engineer (or higher), OR ASPOWER (American Society of Power Engineers): 2nd Class Stationary Steam Engineer (or higher).

Industrial Safety Certifications:

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 (General Industry). Valid Confined Space Entry certification (required for internal vessel cleanouts, firetube maintenance, and still inspections). Demonstrated mastery of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures on high-energy, high-pressure equipment.

Compliance Knowledge:

Familiarity with the North Carolina Uniform Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act and demonstrated experience preparing boilers and pressure systems for annual state inspections conducted by the NCDOL Boiler Safety Bureau .

Water Treatment & Chemistry:

Proven ability to test boiler feed water, calculate chemical dosing (oxygen scavengers, scale inhibitors, amine treatments), and manage blowdown cycles to protect plant infrastructure.

Distilling Interest/Aptitude:

A strong willingness to cross-train in beverage alcohol production (grain handling, mashing, fermentation, and batch distillation). Preferred Qualifications (Bonus Assets)

Trade Licensing:

Active North Carolina Heating Group 1 (H-1) Technician or Contractor License issued by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

Pressure Vessel Repair:

Experience working within ASME boiler codes and NBIC standards, including practical knowledge of National Board "R" Stamp repair protocols.

Process Manufacturing Experience:

Prior mechanical maintenance or operations experience within an industrial food, beverage, chemical, or distillery environment where ethanol vapor hazards (Class I, Div 1/2) are present.

Electrical/Instrumentation:

Basic troubleshooting skills with PLCs, 4-20 mA instrumentation loops, burner management systems (BMS), and variable frequency drives (VFDs). Physical & Schedule Demands Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work inside confined industrial vessels. Ability to work comfortably around high ambient heat, pressurized steam lines, and hazardous materials. Willingness to participate in on-call response for after-hours boiler alarms or production shutdowns. Key Responsibilities Phase 1: High-Pressure Steam & Facility Infrastructure (Core Focus)

Boiler Infrastructure:

Monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing our high-pressure steam boiler, water feed infrastructure, and condensate systems.

Thermal Consistency:

Maintain steam traps, pressure-reducing valves, and jacketed piping to ensure the flawless, precise heat distribution required for sensitive distillation cuts.

Water Remediation:

Conduct daily water testing and chemical treatments to eliminate scaling, protecting both the boiler and our specialized production equipment.

Regulatory Compliance:

Maintain immaculate operation logs for North Carolina state boiler inspectors; ensure zero-downtime adherence to regional safety and mechanical codes.

Preventative Facility Care:

Troubleshoot pumps, chiller loops, compressed air networks, and basic electrical/pneumatic controls across the production floor. Phase 2: Apprentice Distiller & Process Operations (Cross-Training)

Distillation Mastery:

Train directly under the distilling team to operate custom copper pot and column stills, managing temperatures and vapor speeds.

Mashing & Fermentation:

Assist in grain handling, mashing operations, yeast pitching, and monitoring fermentation metrics (Brix, pH, temperature).

Fluid & Quality Logistics:

Safely execute product transfers, barrel filling/dumping, proofing, and filtration, maintaining flawless cleanliness via Clean-In-Place (CIP) protocols.

Sensory & Data Logging:

Participate in proofing panels and maintain meticulous batch records required for federal TTB and state compliance.

Pay:

$30.00 - $32.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 - 45.0 per week

Work Location:

In person