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! http://vimeo.com/853786020/eb63308cce

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

Key Responsibilities

- Day to day responsibilities include hands-on operation of the distillery, blending and maturing areas to make outstanding whiskey, safely and consistently. Whiskey Engineers will be trained to operate all areas of the site, including troubleshooting, diagnostics and repair that will build upon technical capabilities. Breakdown of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

- The Whiskey Engineer will have decision-making authority in daily operations including but not limited to: personnel and equipment safety, production rates and operating parameters, product and supplier quality.

- Support the leadership team and provide ownership on compliance with site and company safety goals and initiatives. 

• 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.

Required Skills & Abilities

- Preferred:

• 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.

- Required:

• 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.

Education

- Required:

•  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

- Preferred: 

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

Careers that unlock the magic of human connection 

Who we are 

Pernod Ricard is a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, and Avión™ Tequila, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes! 

Working at Pernod Ricard is all about igniting conviviality in that all that we do. Derived from the French word, convivialité…it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. Conviviality is energy and spirit with a splash of je ne sais quoi and is a core philosophy around how we live and work at Pernod Ricard. Here, we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making a new friend every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business! 

The salary range for this role, based in Kentucky is $65,400.00 to $89,900.00, range will vary if outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Ready to work with spirit? Read on…

Life and perks at Pernod Ricard 

Proud to belong - Just as we help to create moments that matter for our customers, we lead by example every day...bringing our whole self to work and building bonds that celebrate the human spirit, diversity, and foster deep connections.

Empowered to soar - We set high expectations and seek to get the most out of life. Through flexibility and a hybrid workstyle, as well as unique learning opportunities, generous tuition reimbursement, and one-of-a-kind learning programs, we passionately grow our skillset. 

Committed to care - We are deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of our people, our industry, and our planet. We call this return on responsibility. From environmental sustainability to supporting local communities, our commitment is steadfast. 

Inspired to dream - We treasure new experiences and are proud to develop as people, not job titles. From rich immersive learning programs in Paris to exciting high-profile events, we blend a love of exploration into all that we do. 

Plus, great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support including: 

• Competitive compensation including performance bonuses 
• Domestic & international career development opportunities 
• Competitive paid time off plan + wellbeing days
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance 
• Product allowance to enjoy on Pernod Ricard products
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program 
• BetterUp Care wellness benefits including nutrition, sleep, executive coaching, etc. 

And much, much more! Check out PRUSABenefits.com to view our extensive people programs and support. 

Pernod Ricard USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It employs qualified individuals based solely on ability, training and experience, and does not and will not, discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based upon actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service or any other classification protected by law. Offers will be subject to United States local terms

Job Posting End Date:

Target Hire Date:

2025-07-01

Target End Date: