Chemist

About the Company

Sazerac Company is an independent, American family-owned business with nearly 400 years of history and operations in the United States and worldwide. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double-digit growth annually. The company produces and markets award-winning bourbons and whiskeys, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye, as well as other spirits brands like Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and Buffalo Trace Distillery is recognized as the “world’s most award-winning distillery.”

About the Role

As a Chemist, you’ll provide technical and analytical support across fermentation, distillation, aging, processing, bottling, and laboratory operations. This role involves using advanced analytical testing, data analysis, and instrumentation to maintain product quality, solve technical challenges, and improve efficiency and cost. You’ll collaborate closely with Quality, Technical Services, and operations teams to define and enhance the chemical and sensory profiles of our spirits.

Responsibilities

• Perform and develop advanced analytical methods using HPLC, GC, and other laboratory instrumentation to evaluate spirits, distillates, fermentation, and maturates.
• Partner with Distillery, Quality, Technical Services, and operations teams to develop specifications, support new products, solve quality issues, and implement sustainable process improvements.
• Analyze and interpret chemical and sensory data to fingerprint spirits profiles, support the internal Sensory program, and identify opportunities to improve product quality, consistency, productivity, and cost.
• Maintain laboratory procedures and methodology, support instrumentation maintenance, prepare technical documentation, and provide technical support to internal and external customers.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, food safety, quality, environmental compliance, and career development while ensuring work meets applicable OSHA, TTB, EPA, and company requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 2 years of laboratory, quality control, or related experience.
• Strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends, and travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Experience in the alcoholic beverage industry and/or working with internal or external auditors.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, sensory evaluation, data analysis, and laboratory instrumentation.
• TTB Certified Chemist.

Benefits

Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, and paid time off. Benefits may vary depending on location and work type.