Lead Automation Engineer Distillery Industry

At Excel Engineering we are the power behind our clients processes.

For more than 30 years Excel Engineering has partnered with manufacturers to solve complex engineering challenges through automation electrical engineering process optimization digital transformation and operational excellence.

As we continue expanding our presence within the distillery industry we are seeking an experienced engineering professional who understands the unique challenges of distilled spirits manufacturing and is passionate about helping clients improve their operations.

This is more than an engineering position its an opportunity to build trusted partnerships shape strategic projects and help grow one of Excel Engineerings key industry markets.

Position Overview

The Lead Automation Engineer serves as Excel Engineerings primary engineering and client relationship leader for the distilled spirits market.

Operating within our seller-doer model this individual develops trusted relationships with clients identifies opportunities to improve manufacturing operations and collaborates with Excel Engineerings multidisciplinary technical experts to deliver innovative solutions.

Success in this role is measured by long-term client partnerships repeat business operational improvements for our clients and continued growth of Excel Engineerings presence within the distillery industry.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with distillery operations engineering maintenance quality and executive leadership teams.
• Understand client business objectives operational challenges and capital investment strategies.
• Identify and develop opportunities to improve safety quality production capacity reliability sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Lead client discovery meetings facility assessments project scoping and proposal development.
• Support strategic account growth and represent the company at client meetings industry events and trade organizations.
• Serve as a technical advisor for distillery modernization automation and operational improvement initiatives.
• Help clients develop manufacturing automation and digital transformation roadmaps.
• Recommend practical engineering solutions that align with operational goals and business objectives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions across process mechanical electrical and automation disciplines.
• Provide leadership throughout the project lifecycle from concept development through execution.
• Coordinate internal resources and multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects safely on schedule and within budget.
• Maintain strong client communication and ensure successful project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 8 years of experience within manufacturing or process industries.
• Experience in distilled spirits beverage manufacturing brewing food and beverage consumer packaged goods or other batch manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of distillery operations and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with manufacturing leadership.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects and client relationships.
• Ability to translate operational challenges into practical engineering solutions.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%.

What Makes Someone Successful

The ideal candidate is naturally curious enjoys solving problems and is energized by building long-term relationships.

They are comfortable walking a production floor asking thoughtful questions understanding how a facility operates and connecting clients with the right engineering resources.

Rather than needing to be the deepest technical expert in every discipline they know how to leverage Excel Engineerings extensive internal expertise to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

Why Excel Engineering

At Excel Engineering we believe our greatest differentiator is our people.

Youll work alongside industry-leading experts in automation electrical engineering process engineering validation manufacturing execution systems and digital transformation while helping shape the future of one of our fastest-growing industry markets.

If you enjoy building relationships solving meaningful manufacturing challenges and helping clients improve their operations wed love to meet you.

We offer

Growth & Development: Ongoing continuing education hands-on training and opportunities to expand your skills.

Career Advancement Support: Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) plan with employer matching.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical dental vision and life insurance options.

Wellness Focus: Access to programs designed to support your overall well-being.

WorkLife Balance: Paid time off and flexible work environment

Flexibility & Trust: A flexible schedule and work environment built around mutual trust and accountability.

Share the Talent Share the Rewards: We value great people recommending great people which is why our employee referral program is designed to reward you continuously

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits. At Excel Engineering were proud of our positive high-performing culture where teamwork continuous improvement and a service-oriented mindset help us do our best work every day. If you enjoy a fast-paced and rewarding environment youll love being part of our team!

Excel Engineering Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity disability age veteran status marital status or any other protected characteristic.

We value diverse perspectives and believe they strengthen our work our teams and the solutions we deliver to clients. We encourage candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering to apply. If you need accommodations during the application or interview process please contact our Human Resources team at