Laboratory Technician

Sazerac; Bardstown (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K

Paid time off

Job summary

Sazerac is seeking a Laboratory Technician to perform analytical and sensory testing, monitor production quality, and provide real-time feedback to ensure products meet internal and regulatory standards. You will collaborate with production and quality teams to investigate issues, improve processes, and uphold laboratory quality systems.

The role requires an associate degree in a relevant science and the ability to work a 24/7 schedule in a bourbon/beverage manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related field.
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 manufacturing environment; must be at least 21 years old.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for documentation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and sensory testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct quality audits, GMP compliance checks, and SPC monitoring; provide real-time feedback to production teams.
• Investigate quality and process issues via root cause analysis and corrective actions (5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC).
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibrations, SOPs, and documentation; support HACCP, ISO/FSSC 22000, TTB, and OSHA requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and cross-functional teams on audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical testing

Quality control

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

SPC

GMP knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biology (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

As a Laboratory Technician, you’ll perform analytical and sensory testing, monitor production quality, and provide real-time feedback to help ensure our products meet internal and regulatory standards. You’ll work closely with production and quality teams to investigate issues, improve processes, and maintain strong laboratory and quality systems.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct analytical and sensory testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with internal specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Perform quality audits, GMP compliance checks, and SPC monitoring, providing real-time feedback to production teams on quality performance and critical control points.
• Investigate quality and process issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions, using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone, and DMAIC.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibrations, SOPs, and documentation while supporting HACCP, ISO/FSSC 22000, TTB, and OSHA requirements.
• Partner with Quality, Production, and other cross-functional teams on audits, quality system improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Scheduled shift: 7:00PM-7:00AM, on rotating 2-2-3 schedule including weekends and holidays

Qualifications/Requirements

Required

• Associate’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including varied shifts, weekends, and holidays; must be at least 21 years of age.
• Working knowledge of laboratory methods, mathematics, scientific techniques, and quality testing, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook, for documentation, data analysis, and reporting.

Preferred

• 3+ years of experience in a QA/QC laboratory or manufacturing environment, preferably within food, beverage, or spirits production.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with root cause analysis, Lean Manufacturing, SPC, HACCP, GMP, or quality management systems.

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Culture and Benefits

Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.

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 follow our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interviews with business leaders. There may be additional steps or assessments throughout the process dependent on the position. Applicants who are not selected to move through the process, at any stage, will be notified via email.