Reliability Engineer - Buffalo Trace Distillery
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 2, 2026.
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.
Company/Location Overview
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Franklin County, Kentucky, whose rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787. Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye, and vodka on site, and is listed on the National Historic Register. Buffalo Trace has been awarded seven distillery titles since 2000 and has also garnered more than 150 awards for its premium whiskies. www.buffalotrace.com
Job Description/Responsibilities
Leads maintenance reliability across Manufacturing while supporting all departments with continuous improvement in Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, & overall OEE. Works with Maintenance Manager, Plant Engineer, bottling and processing staff along with other departments to identify/resolve problems, develop/execute effective and efficient processes and standards, as well as assist with audits. Ensure plant performance meets/exceeds KPIs.
- Achieve highest efficiency, meet all departmental goals and KPI’s, and ensure 95% uptime . Assist department heads with key identified operational issues improving customer service, quality, safety, and cost controls. Successfully complete key assignments to improve efficiencies. Lead efforts to ensure timelines are met & obstacles are eliminated prior to proceeding. Provide leadership in identifying creative methods to resolve issues.
- Guide the development of detailed PMs for Manufacturing operations by working with maint techs and OEM’s. They are accountable for maintaining the longevity of equipment as well as keeping equipment in optimal running condition.
- The Manufacturing Reliability Engineer will work with the Maintenance and Bottling department managers to assist in the development of the 5 year CAPEX plan for BTD.
- Track monthly downtime and develop plans to reduce.
- Update all asset information and inventory parts for BTD as needed. Working with the maintenance planner and storeroom clerk.
- Meet and exceed customer expectations in achieving 95% operational uptime. Successfully support the product to the customer that meets quality standards and is delivered on time and within budget. Ensure all parts are available to maintain uptime. Ensure all downtime is logged and checked for accuracy and develop solutions to reduce downtime based on supervisory input and data. Provide support for the structure of PM program.
- Create and develop a personal development plan with Manager to improve a skill/competency that will develop personal skills and improve performance.
- 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; increase usability of existing data.
- Responsible for all breakdown RCA’s to drive solutions and eliminate the identified root cause.
- Lead the development and ongoing updates of SOP’s and processes related to MRO inventory and preventive maintenance program.
- The Manufacturing Reliability Engineer will utilize PPT to ensure projects are completed on time and at budget. They will ensure key stakeholders are informed of key tasks and accountable for their completion.
- Ability to work with hourly maintenance and controls techs on equipment improvement projects and upgrades.
- Working directly with equipment manufacturers for upgrades, rebuilds, audits, etc.
Qualifications/Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree in Engineering related discipline
- Proficiency in 3D Modeling Software, such as Autodesk Fusion 360
- Excellent oral & written communication skills
- Ability to communicate with all levels of an org
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
- Record of successful leadership
- 5 years experience in a fast paced environment
- 5 years manufacturing experience in CPG or process industry (minimum)
- Ability to work the night shift 2-2-3 rotation (6:00 PM - 6:00 AM)