Lead Automation Engineer - Distillery Industry in Lexington, Kentucky at Excel Engineering, Inc.

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.

Position Overview

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.

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

• 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%.

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

Why Excel Engineering?

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

You’ll 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, we’d 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.

• Work–Life 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, we’re 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, you’ll 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 ExcelHR@exceleng.net.