Job Description

Join a Legendary Distillery

For more than two centuries, Buffalo Trace Distillery has crafted award-winning spirits in Frankfort, Kentucky. Our roots trace back to 1773 and carry the legacy of E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. As a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we produce bourbon, rye, and vodka on site. Since 2000, the distillery has earned 17 “distillery of the year” titles from Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine, and Wine Enthusiast Magazine, was named Brand Innovator of the Year by Whisky Magazine in 2015, and has collected 300+ awards for our portfolio. We are part of the Sazerac family of companies.

The Role at a Glance

We’re seeking an Industrial Automation Controls Specialist in Frankfort, KY. This is a night-shift role with a starting wage of $37.06 per hour. Schedule: 6:00 pm – 6:00 am on a rotating 2–2–3 pattern.

A Night in the Life

At 6 pm, you’ll take the handoff from the day crew and walk the lines. You listen for the hum of motors, scan HMI screens, and verify that PLCs, robots, and drives are running to spec. When the conveyors move our products through filling, packaging, and warehousing, you’re tracking I/O, reading schematics, and making adjustments in ladder logic as needed. If a fault pops up, you dive into the MCC, evaluate relays and sensors, and bring equipment safely back online. Between calls, you’ll perform preventive maintenance, verify VFD parameters, and document your work so the operation stays ahead of the next shift.

Key Work You’ll Handle

• Execute plant electrical tasks including PLC and MCC installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Keep PLCs, robots, and other automation assets tuned and operating as designed.
• Interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, manuals, drawings, and ladder logic to diagnose issues.
• Install, troubleshoot, and service conduit, wiring, motors, and industrial equipment on 240V 3-phase and 440V systems.
• Install VFDs and resolve issues involving sensors, photo-eyes, and relay-based control circuits.
• Program and modify Allen‑Bradley PLCs to support production needs.
• Inspect, repair, adjust, clean, and maintain machinery, fixtures, piping, and plumbing systems.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation.
• Demonstrated success performing maintenance in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Practical expertise with electrical systems, PLC programming/hardware, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Willing and able to work second or third shift.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving abilities; meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient reading and interpreting electrical drawings and ladder logic.
• Capable of safely operating industrial equipment.
• Effective communication and solid teamwork skills.
• Consistent, safety-focused attendance history.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Pre-employment screening

Successful candidates will be required to receive acceptable scores on several tests including mechanical and electrical aptitude exams, pre-employment physical, and drug/alcohol screening

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical or Mechanical Maintenance, or Journeyman Electrician credential.
• Experience with manufacturing systems and Rockwell Automation controls.
• Allen‑Bradley PLC programming background.

Technical Proficiencies

• PLC troubleshooting and programming.
• Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Troubleshooting of industrial automation equipment.
• General equipment diagnostics and repair.

Tools & Technologies

• Allen‑Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Conveyor systems and related automation

If you’re energized by keeping complex automation running smoothly in a heritage-rich operation, we’d love to hear from you.

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