Yeast Packaging Technician – Berkeley Yeast – San Jose, CA
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented production professional who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and enjoys working with yeast. This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours per week; overtime as needed).
Who We Are
Berkeley Yeast is a yeast innovation company developing novel brewing strains using advanced genetic techniques. Our strains are designed to produce targeted flavor and aroma compounds during fermentation—including tropical, citrus, and floral profiles—while reducing undesirable fermentation byproducts such as diacetyl. Our work also includes innovative yeast solutions for non-alcoholic beer, helping brewers create products with improved flavor, aroma, and overall quality.
Our goal is to give brewers better tools to make great beer while saving time, reducing cost, and lowering environmental impact.
About the Position
The Yeast Packaging Technician supports our manufacturing operations through aseptic handling of liquid yeast, order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipment preparation.
You will work closely with the Lab and Cellar teams to ensure every yeast pitch is packaged accurately, handled properly, and delivered to customers on time.
This is a physically demanding, hands-on manufacturing role. A typical day involves repeatedly moving yeast vessels, preparing customer shipments, loading pallets, retrieving materials from storage racks, and remaining on your feet while working safely around production equipment.
Unlike many packaging roles, this position combines aseptic handling, inventory control, order fulfillment, and physically active manufacturing work. Success in this fast-paced role requires attention to detail, consistency, and the ability to safely balance quality, organization, and customer delivery timelines.
Work Environment & Expectations
- This is a physically demanding, active manufacturing role requiring frequent lifting, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and standing throughout the workday.
- Repetitive, high-precision work is a core part of this role and requires strict adherence to SOPs, aseptic technique, documentation, and process control.
- Work is closely integrated with production operations and customer delivery timelines.
- Daily priorities may shift based on production needs, inventory requirements, or shipping deadlines; flexibility and adaptability are important.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform aseptic liquid yeast transfers with precision and care.
- Prepare and pack shipments accurately, ensuring complete order fulfillment.
- Allocate orders using FIFO and maintain inventory accuracy.
- Operate laminar flow hoods, pumps, autoclaves, and related production equipment.
- Maintain warehouse inventories and material organization.
- Coordinate shipments and support customer delivery schedules.
- Conduct preventative maintenance and routine equipment checks.
- Collaborate with Lab and Cellar departments to support production flow.
- Maintain facility cleanliness and organization.
Secondary Responsibilities
- Parts assembly and stocking
- Equipment setup and assembly
- Interdepartmental support as needed
- CIP / SIP of mixing vessels
What We're Looking For
- Strong team-oriented mindset; takes ownership of shared outcomes.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining quality and safety standards.
- Comfort following SOPs with high consistency.
- High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
- Strong time management and ability to handle multiple workflows.
- Commitment to aseptic technique, quality, and process control.
- Clear communication and positive, collaborative attitude.
- Efficiency-minded with a focus on throughput and quality.
- Ability to recognize and communicate inventory, workflow, or process issues before they impact production or customer shipments.
- Curiosity and analytical thinking; able to use observations and data to make informed recommendations.
- And of course, enthusiasm for beer and science!
Requirements
- Ability to safely and repeatedly lift, carry, push, pull, and maneuver materials weighing up to 55 lbs throughout the workday.
- Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods while performing frequent bending, reaching, overhead lifting, and repetitive manufacturing tasks.
- Comfortable working in a clean manufacturing environment with strict aseptic protocols.
- Able to perform repetitive tasks with focus and care while maintaining production pace.
- Basic computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, documentation).
- Strong record-keeping skills.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Availability: Sunday to Friday.
- Typical shifts: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 9:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Preferred Experience
- Brewery, fermentation, food production, or regulated manufacturing experience.
- Familiarity with quality systems and food/manufacturing standards (e.g., GMP, HACCP).
- Exposure to ERP or inventory management systems.
- Proper use of PPE and aseptic technique.
- Experience managing inventory, fulfillment, or shipping operations.
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort with basic equipment maintenance.
Compensation & Benefits
$45,000–52,000 per year, commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with employer matching after 1 year.
- Flexible PTO policy designed to balance personal time and operational needs.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
