Reliability Engineer - Buffalo Trace Distillery

About the Company

Sazerac Company is an independent, American family-owned spirits producer with almost 400 years of history and operations worldwide. The company has experienced double-digit growth since the 2000s and produces award-winning bourbons and whiskeys such as Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye, alongside other popular spirits brands including Fireball, Svedka, and Southern Comfort. The Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and Buffalo Trace Distillery, a fully operational facility listed on the National Historic Register, has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery.”

About the Location

Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Franklin County, Kentucky, is a family-owned distillery with a distilling tradition dating back to 1787. The site produces bourbon, rye, and vodka, and has received over 150 awards for its premium whiskies.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance reliability across Manufacturing while supporting all departments with continuous improvement in Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, and overall OEE.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Manager, Plant Engineer, bottling, and processing staff to identify and resolve problems, develop and execute effective processes and standards, and assist with audits.
• Ensure plant performance meets or exceeds KPIs, achieving 95% uptime and meeting all departmental goals.
• Assist department heads with operational issues to improve customer service, quality, safety, and cost controls.
• Lead efforts to meet timelines and eliminate obstacles for key assignments.
• Develop detailed Preventive Maintenance (PM) plans for Manufacturing operations in collaboration with maintenance technicians and OEMs to maintain equipment longevity and optimal running condition.
• Work with Maintenance and Bottling department managers to develop the 5-year CAPEX plan for Buffalo Trace Distillery (BTD).
• Track monthly downtime and develop plans to reduce it.
• Update asset information and inventory parts as needed, working with the maintenance planner and storeroom clerk.
• Ensure 95% operational uptime and support on-time, within-budget product delivery that meets quality standards.
• Log and verify all downtime, developing solutions to reduce it based on supervisory input and data.
• Support the structure of the PM program and create a personal development plan with your Manager.
• Anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner while identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Write, review, and approve purchase orders.
• Analyze maintenance data to determine trends in parts spend and increase data usability.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for all breakdowns to drive solutions and eliminate root causes.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and processes related to MRO inventory and the preventive maintenance program.
• Utilize Project Portfolio Tool (PPT) to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, keeping key stakeholders informed and accountable.
• Work with hourly maintenance and controls technicians on equipment improvement projects and upgrades.
• Collaborate directly with equipment manufacturers for upgrades, rebuilds, and audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering-related discipline.
• Proficiency in 3D Modeling Software, such as Autodesk Fusion 360.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an organization.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Record of successful leadership.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience in CPG or process industry.
• Ability to work the night shift on a 2-2-3 rotation (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM).