Electrical Controls Engineer - Buffalo Trace Distillery

Over 450 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac family, including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Fireball, Svedka, and more. We’re proud to create spirits, cocktails, and experiences for every taste and occasion for people across the globe. Sazerac Company takes pride in fostering a vibrant culture of innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence across our distilleries and operations worldwide.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies.  The distillery is part of the Sazerac family of companies.

For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com or www.sazerac.com. 

Buffalo Trace Distillery is seeking a skilled and solutions-focused Controls / Electrical Engineer to support the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing operations. This role provides technical leadership and support for electrical and controls systems, preventive and reactive maintenance, troubleshooting, project execution, and systems optimization. The Controls / Electrical Engineer will partner closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations teams to maximize equipment reliability and support a goal of at least 95% uptime across responsible areas.

What You’ll Do

• Provide technical direction and support for electrical and controls systems across manufacturing and distillery operations

• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, PLC, and equipment issues to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability

• Support preventive and reactive maintenance activities while identifying opportunities to improve equipment performance and system reliability

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and related automation and control systems

• Manage and support electrical and controls projects from planning through implementation while balancing multiple projects and operational priorities

• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, safety, quality, and overall equipment performance

• Support technical documentation, system improvements, regulatory compliance, and maintenance performance initiatives

Requirements of the Role

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant electrical, controls, automation, engineering, or manufacturing experience.

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on electrical experience, including Allen-Bradley PLC programming, PLC hardware, and industrial equipment troubleshooting.

• Strong knowledge of electrical and controls systems within a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and controls issues and develop effective, sustainable solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation controls, PLC programming, and industrial automation systems.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar engineering/design software.

• Working knowledge of industrial computer systems, PCs, LANs, WANs, and networked manufacturing equipment.

• Experience supporting preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, system upgrades, or capital projects within a high-speed manufacturing environment.

• Experience within beverage, bottling, food, CPG, or other process manufacturing operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds without assistance
• Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment within an active manufacturing environment
• Ability to work in areas with elevated noise levels and other typical manufacturing conditions
• Ability to walk and move throughout the facility to conduct inspections, investigations, training, and safety assessments
• Ability to work an 8-hour shift and overtime as business needs require
• Regular, reliable, in-person attendance is required

Culture and Benefits

Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, career development opportunities, tuition assistance programs, and more.

Compensation: $95,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and interview performance.

Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status.

What’s Next

After you apply, a recruiter will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates. Selected candidates will participate in our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and additional interviews with business leaders. Applicants not selected to move forward will be notified via email.

Need assistance throughout your application or interview process? Email.

Build Your Career with Buffalo Trace and Sazerac

Bring your electrical, controls, and automation expertise to an environment where engineering, craftsmanship, reliability, and continuous improvement come together. Help keep critical systems running, solve complex technical challenges, and improve the equipment and processes behind some of the world’s most recognized spirits.

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