Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Rooted in two centuries of family heritage, Beam Suntory has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company ... where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets - our premium spirits and our people - we're driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Beam Suntory is a place where you can come Unleash your Spirit by making an impact each and every day.
The following position is open in Clermont, KY., - Research Engineer I - Global R&D Applied Technical Research
What makes this a great opportunity?
The spirits industry is an exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced business. Beam Suntory is a top player in the spirits business and focused on driving both category and brand growth.
The Research Engineer role is a stepping-stone to various roles in the organization as a key influencer related to the longer term liquid innovation, optimization, quality and production of Beam Suntory's Global spirits portfolio (with focus on North America), interfacing with both the Marketing & Supply Chain sides of the business. This position provides broad exposure to operations, marketing/business teams, finance, sourcing and other internal and external partners, providing R&D support on cross functional teams.
This role focuses on areas including innovation, engineering, and science led quality &/or efficiency improvements from ideation through commercialization to support the creation of innovative consumer & customer driven products & platforms as well as quality, cost & efficiency improvements, to drive Beam Suntory's profitable growth & business success.
Role Responsibilities
Assists in identifying and creating innovative new platforms & processes aligned to overall Beam Suntory strategy and go to market process.
Directly accountable for technical development and implementation as part of cross functional project team, translating consumer/customer needs into relevant product/process design elements meeting consumer, cost, quality and regulatory requirements, with supporting guidance of scientists & engineers.
Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory/pilot plant/operations methods; interpreting results and translating into solutions. Apply previous scientific work to experimental design and results. Follow best practices and Standard Operating Procedures for development and suggest process improvements for procedures and practices.
Make recommendations on process design and provide input on materials (ex; hoses, gaskets, barrels, liners, filter materials) product design, equipment selection and capital recommendations.
Work closely with Procurement, Fermentation, Distillation, Warehousing and other operations team members to incorporate considerations of available liquid assets and plant capabilities into the work output.
Share learnings and new science developed with other global technical partners for potential to adapt/adopt to other BSI sites or products.
Serve as a direct R&D resource on projects with low complexity, such as cost reduction or aversion initiatives; working closely with key business partners to define product & process requirements, development project timelines, cost/margin goals and contingency plans.
Partner with external suppliers and development companies as required to extend product possibilities and identify evaluate and implement new enabling technologies, processes and raw materials.
Demonstrate a solid technical and business understanding of the competitive set, supplier base and adjacencies, emerging technology, as well as on and off premise practices, trends and other external changes that could influence industry and product direction. Effectively incorporate this learning into business plans and to drive new idea potential.
Develop process design and operating specifications as well as provide input on ingredient, in-process and final product specifications on new or revised products as required; providing performance-based specifications, spec ownership and proprietary advantage where applicable to protect investments and block competitive potential.
Participate actively in team building and broader Beam Suntory and external initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
M.S Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related fields, preferred with 0-2 years work experience, or B.S. degree with 2 + years work experience.
Minimum 2 years work experience in food and/or beverage industry. Experience in assisting on research initiatives and in distilled spirits a strong plus.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in creating and working a plan for assigned projects.
Ability to develop strong cross functional relationships within R&D as well as with Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Engineering, etc. to drive strong collaboration and results.
Proficient with manufacturing scale equipment, process design and functionality.
Proficient skills in Excel, Word and related programs for organizing data and summarizing test results.
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to develop strong working knowledge of lab operating procedures.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give and receive feedback.
Desire to help build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within Global R&D and broader Beam Suntory.
Must be able to consume limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples in accordance with evaluation/research needs.
Self-starter, flexible, comfortable working in unstructured fast-paced environment, able to manage multiple priorities effortlessly.
Team player with collaborative style and good listening and partnering skills. Culturally sensitive, with ability to work in a global multicultural cross functional organization, requiring ability to work effectively across cultures, time zones to accommodate global responsibilities.
Ability to travel globally to partner in project work with internal and external clients, as well as support implementation at Beam facilities - travel approx. 10-30% with half local Kentucky operations and Chicago/New York (2022+) corporate offices, and balance other Beam Suntory locations. *When COVID restrictions allow.
Physically fit for work primarily in a lab, pilot plant and manufacturing environments, which includes long periods of standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds.
At Beam Suntory, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Beam Suntory is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant's skills and experience.
