Controls Engineer/ Integration Specialist

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville and a bottling facility in Harrodsburg. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes the recent groundbreaking of a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in 2025, and plans for a Japanese distillery in Chitose set to commence in 2025.

With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation’s largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila brand launch in Q3 of 2024.

Position Overview:

The Group Integration Specialist within our IT team will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless integration across systems and processes for both our Distillery and Mining locations. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated solutions that improve production workflows, enhance data connectivity, and support business growth. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in industrial automation and IT systems with strong problem-solving skills to bridge the gap between technology and operations, delivering efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

Job Responsibilities:

• System Integration & Automation
  • Design, develop, and maintain integration solutions across enterprise and production systems.
  • Implement automation frameworks to streamline manufacturing and operational processes.
  • Ensure compatibility and scalability of integrated systems.
• Control Systems Programming
  • Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces), VFD (Variable Feed Drives), Object ID Loops, ladder logic, and function blocks.
• Collaboration & Support

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (production, IT, operations, and engineering) to identify integration needs.
• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and optimization for existing automation systems.

• Systems Integration & Connectivity

• Maintain MCC / PLC setup and ensure reliable connectivity with HMI systems and 3rd party applications

• • Manage integration of Drams with third-party applications.
  • Administer and maintain Rockwell Historian and Aveva PI environments.
• ERP Implementation & Support
  • Support the implementation and rollout of the company’s ERP solution.
  • Ensure smooth integration between ERP and other core business systems.
• Data & Reporting
  • Develop and manage Power BI reporting and data integrations to deliver actionable insights across the business.
• IT Team Contribution
  • Provide hands-on IT support and contribute to the broader IT function.
  • Assist with technical support and integration projects across multiple locations, including Japan, Origin, and Spring Valley (once operational).
• General
  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Ensure all practices and work areas are simple, plain, well-organized, and consistent.
• Maintain a clean work environment.
• Lead process improvements.

Qualifications:

• Education, training, or experience in automation, integration, and controls, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in engineering and maintenance.
• Able to travel up to 30%
• Understanding of maintenance, electrical, and control systems.
• Quantitative and qualitative decision-making.
• Time management, task prioritizing, and delegation.
• Integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate with all levels of the organization.
• Communicate complex information and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Proficiently use MS Office, Whiskey Systems, DRAMS, and other applicable software.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting at a desk and working with a computer.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities, climb stairs, and work at heights.
• Must be able to work in areas that are not climate controlled.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Health savings and flexible savings account
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Life insurance