Whiskey Engineer

Are you ready to join one of the leading teams in creating high quality Kentucky alcohol for Jefferson's Bourbon ambition? Come join our team supporting our new and exciting carbon neutral Distillery that offers a distinct experience within the booming KY bourbon trail. Careers that unlock the magic of human connection!

Please take a look at this exhilarating video to learn about us! Position Summary

• We are looking for people who are passionate about making the best whiskey from grain to glass and having direct involvement on every step of the process. If you enjoy an environment that is technical, professional, self-directed but also hands-on, and you happen to love whiskey - this could be the right opportunity for you. The Whiskey Engineer runs all aspects of the Distillery, Blending and Maturing Operations to ensure maximum effectiveness in safety, quality, operations & maintenance, sustainability & responsibility, and production requirements to make whiskey for our Jefferson's whiskey brand. We are hiring to grow our team for 24/7 operations. Ownership, integrity, and a passion for whiskey are musts. The role will vary in terms of "desk time" and "field time" but is anticipated to be typically 90% in the distillery environment itself including control room, and 10% in the office/desk.
• We welcome those wanting to be part of an engaged, and inclusive site culture that is diverse, convivial, and passionate about whiskey and the people making it!
• This is a safety sensitive role

• Responsibility and accountability for safe operations of work areas. Areas will rotate based upon schedule and business needs. Aspects of the distillery operations and maintenance include quality, grain handling, cooking/mashing, fermenting, distillation, maturing/warehousing, utilities, sanitation, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Track and input inventory data accurately into inventory and reporting systems.
• Have input or lead team meetings to communicate status on key performance indices.
• Perform analyses using laboratory instrumentation and sensory on grain, mash, beer and distillate.
• Perform basic repairs to instrumentation, pumps, valves, gearboxes and electrical motors.
• Perform, and/or issue work orders, including overseeing or working with contractors for repairs.
• Understand and conduct basic PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Install and replace basic fittings with manual tools.
• Utilize P&IDs, manuals, drawings and schematics.
• Troubleshooting includes, but is not limited to, inspecting, repairing, maintaining, cleaning, replacing and preventive maintenance related activities on instrumentation and equipment.
• Ownership and startup (with support) of areas of the new distillery including cross-training of teammates and working with the equipment suppliers and programmers.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety goals and requirements.
• Attain production requirements and deadlines with prioritization on safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Utilize Pernod Ricard forms of communication to ensure effective operation, collaboration, and transparency within the team/organization.
• Make technical determinations on equipment maintenance and/or replacement needs based upon root cause problem-solving methods.
• Cleaning of machinery to maintain optimum machine performance. This may include using tools to scrape, wipe, sweep, and squeegee.
• Occasional tasks may include lifting up to 50 lbs
• Observe good manufacturing practices and good housekeeping and follow all safety rules as required.
• Wear all safety equipment, like eye protection, ear protection, safety shoes, bump caps, etc., as required.

• Deliver on personal S.M.A.R.T. goals that contribute to the company and site goals.
• Fundamentally understand site operating costs including cost of goods/materials, utilities, cost of distillation, and capex budget.
• Active participation and ownership of the manufacturing excellence process.
• Maintain focus and professionalism at all times including during visitor tours of the facility.
• Document, communicate, and train on changes, repairs and learnings as the facility grows.
• Collaborate as a team to work out Paid Time Off coverage for approval by the team leads and planner/controller.
• Present and lead recommendations for CI (Continuous Improvement), Safety, Operation Process opportunities and other ways to improve the facility.

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation installations, and pneumatic and digital control systems.
• Knowledge of biological processes (e.g. fermentation) and chemical processes (e.g. distillation).
• Familiar with and able to document process flow diagrams, read piping & instrumentation diagrams, understand and troubleshoot process instrumentation.
• Understand maintenance needs in a large scale facility and the day to day requirements to keep equipment running efficiently.
• Be able to perform basic care and maintenance procedures including but not limited to: pump and valve repair, equipment troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance.

• Process operating experience in distillation, brewing, food & beverage manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical, OR a degree in engineering, science, or related manufacturing field or experience that shows aptitude in technical skills.
• During emergency situations or for critcal needs, be able to check e-mails / text messages during non-scheduled working hours to respond to teammates / line managers.
• Be able to work flexibly between different areas of the operation to be highly skilled in all.
• Be able to work 12-hour shifts (non-rotating), including second (night) shift.
• Be able to work independently as well as cross-functionally with different levels of the organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Bachelor Degree: Engineering/related science or business field
• Or Electromechanics/Industrial Maintenance Degree
• Or 4-6 years of relevant experience in food & beverage, distillation/brewing, or chemical manufacturing

• Relevant experience in food & beverage, distillation/brewing, and chemical facilities or manufacturing also accepted