Senior Controls Engineer - PLC/Automation Lead

Sazerac Company; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Trace Distillery, part of Sazerac Company, seeks a Controls/Electrical Engineer to lead maintenance and automation initiatives. You will direct a technical team, drive uptime, and implement scalable control systems across the distillery.

This role requires 5+ years of electrical engineering experience, AB PLC programming, and project leadership. You will partner with operations, ensure safety compliance, and advance maintenance programs with data-driven improvements.

Qualifications

• Engineering or related degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years relevant experience minimum.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
• 3 years hands on electrical experience, Allen Bradley PLC programming and hardware troubleshooting.
• BSEE, BSEET, ASEE, ASEET or equivalent experience.
• MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal, planning and organizational skills.
• Preferred: AutoCAD proficiency; Rockwell Automation training; LAN/WAN knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a production automation plan for BTD that will help specify and develop hardware and software platforms throughout the distillery.
• Support production through the implementation and continued support of these systems as we work to develop an expandable control and monitoring system facility wide.
• Identify and lead cost savings initiatives within the organization.
• Develop uniform PLC/HMI/VFD platform for improved productivity and safety.
• Train and supervise 3-5 Electrical/Instrumentation technicians; evaluate performance and develop improvement plans.
• Ensure adherence to Personal Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Environmental Policies and Practices.
• Lead SOPs and maintenance scheduling for MRO inventory.
• Meets and exceeds customer expectations through supervision of Maintenance employees.
• Lead projects in compliance with Regulatory and Environmental guidelines.
• Stay current with technological advancements and train technicians accordingly.
• Assist in development of preventive/predictive maintenance program.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Allen-Bradley PLC

Project management

MS Office

Strong communication

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Rockwell Automation

Job description

Buffalo Trace Distillery, part of Sazerac Company, seeks a Controls/Electrical Engineer to lead maintenance and automation initiatives. You will direct a technical team, drive uptime, and implement scalable control systems across the distillery.

This role requires 5+ years of electrical engineering experience, AB PLC programming, and project leadership. You will partner with operations, ensure safety compliance, and advance maintenance programs with data-driven improvements.