Lead Automation Engineer - Distillery Industry

Excel Engineering • Lexington, KY

43d • Hybrid

About The Position

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, it’s an opportunity to build trusted partnerships, shape strategic projects, and help grow one of Excel Engineering’s key industry markets. The Lead Automation Engineer serves as Excel Engineering’s 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 Engineering’s 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 Engineering’s presence within the distillery industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s 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%.

Nice To Haves

• 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 Engineering’s extensive internal expertise to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

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.

Benefits

• Ongoing continuing education, hands-on training, and opportunities to expand your skills.
• Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Access to programs designed to support your overall well-being.
• Paid time off and flexible work environment.
• A flexible schedule and work environment built around mutual trust and accountability.
• Employee referral program designed to reward you continuously.
• Competitive salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior