Packaging Lead

About the Role Iron Horse Brewery is looking for a Packaging Lead to own the day-to-day execution and continuous improvement of our packaging operations. This role sits at the intersection of production, quality, and process discipline — ensuring that every can, keg, and case leaving the building meets our standards. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in doing things right, isn't afraid to get into the mechanics of why something isn't working, and naturally brings others along through how they operate. Core Responsibilities Packaging Operations Lead daily packaging line operations including canning, kegging, and related processes Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain packaging equipment Execute and oversee canner line changeovers efficiently and accurately Coordinate with brewing and cellar teams to align packaging priorities Maintenance & Process Execution Perform routine maintenance and assist in diagnosing mechanical issues Ensure proper setup, teardown, and sanitation of packaging equipment Maintain uptime and reduce downtime through proactive line management Operate within established SOPs and update documentation as processes evolve Quality Assurance & Control Execute QA/QC protocols across all packaged products Perform seam analysis on packaged products, ensuring seams meet spec and troubleshooting or escalating equipment issues when they don't Monitor and document quality metrics during packaging runs Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements Production Planning & Inventory Support production scheduling in coordination with operations Manage ordering of packaging materials and process inputs Utilize Ekos for production tracking, inventory management, and order planning Maintain accurate and timely data entry across batches, packaging runs, and inventory movements Continuous Improvement Actively apply LEAN manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency across the packaging floor Identify inefficiencies, defects, or waste in packaging processes and propose improvements Contribute to a culture of operational excellence and accountability Skills & Experience Required Experience operating and maintaining packaging equipment (canning lines strongly preferred) Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose equipment issues and work toward resolution efficiently Comfortable working within SOPs and keeping documentation current as processes change Background in beverage, food, or similar manufacturing environment Strong understanding of QA/QC principles and documentation practices Preferred Experience with seam analysis in a canning environment (training provided for strong candidates) Familiarity with LEAN manufacturing principles or continuous improvement methodologies Experience with Ekos or similar production/inventory management platforms (training provided) Forklift operation experience (training provided day one) Background in beverage manufacturing (beer, cider, or similar); experience with recipe development or pilot production a plus What Success Looks Like Packaging runs are executed on time with consistent quality and minimal downtime SOPs are followed with discipline and kept current as the operation evolves Issues are identified early and addressed proactively The packaging line becomes more efficient over time, not just maintained How We Work We operate with a high level of ownership and accountability. This role requires someone who can: Be Accountable — Show up reliably, execute processes, and meet baseline performance expectations Process-Minded — Know the why behind the how. Understand the system you're operating in and engage with it thoughtfully Drive Improvement — Identify waste or breakdown in the system and actively propose better ways to operate Own Your Tools — Maintain accuracy and integrity within Ekos and all quality documentation Culture Fit We're looking for someone who: Is comfortable giving and receiving clear, direct feedback Aligns with a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement Can balance doing the work with improving the work Takes quality responsibilities seriously Why Iron Horse Established, respected brewery with a strong regional presence and a team that values autonomy, accountability, and craftsmanship We have a strong track record of developing and promoting from within — we invest in people who invest in the work Ellensburg residents strongly encouraged to apply Join the cousinhood — you'll understand when you get here

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour DOE.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person