Job profile: Brewing engineer

A brewing engineer provides the engineering expertise to modify, design, install and maintain brewing machinery.

What are the typical progression routes?

Job description - Brewing Engineer

A brewing engineer will be involved in most stages of beer processing and high speed packaging plant. The work also involves energy management and managing services, e.g. water, steam, electricity. Most brewing engineers work for larger breweries and vacancies in smaller companies are infrequent.They are responsible for managing a team of specialist technicians engaged in the provision of site services and the maintenance of plant to achieve and improve production targets.They also evaluate new process technologies.
 
Activities
  • Evaluating new technologies
  • Specifying new equipment
  • Preparing budget targets
  • Achieve/improve production targets
  • Providing site services and plant maintenance
 
Competencies
  • Good understanding of brewing techniques
  • Communication skills
  • To pay close attention to detail
  • Solve problems logically
  • Work accurately and efficiently
 
What are the routes in?
Large breweries can satisfy requirements for entry into a professional engineering institution. Courses run by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) lead to Associate or Diploma Master Brewer membership.An engineering degree, particularly in brewing and distilling, chemical engineering, electrical engineers or mechanical engineering, is often required.An alternative route is a HNC or HND while in employment.Entry without a degree or HND is possible. There are courses run by The Institute and Guild of Brewing (IGB).
 
Development in this career is usually depends on accomplishing chartered status.There are opportunities to move into a more specialist role such as safety and risk management or into commercial areas.There tend to be more employment opportunities in larger companies or specialist brewing engineering consultancies. Large breweries often have formal promotion procedures. Many brewing engineers also move into other similar fields, such as process engineering.
 
What is the work like?
Working hours are typically nine to five. However, this can vary and there may be occasions where shift work is necessary. Travel within a working day and overseas work are occasional, unless the company has an international profile. Absence from home at night is uncommon.