Research Engineer II

Overview

Suntory Global Spirits is a world leader in premium spirits with a heritage of over 200 years. We value personal and professional growth across functions, business units, and geographies. Our goal is to inspire the brilliance of life and to become the World's Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.

The following position is open in Kentucky, United States. What makes this a great opportunity is the chance to contribute to research initiatives that influence product innovation, quality, and efficiency across the business in a collaborative, data-driven environment.

Role

Research Engineer II

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan and execute longer-term, data-driven research initiatives focused on Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages and spirits, translating business and operational needs into product solutions that deliver sustainable competitive advantage through process innovation. Accountable for the technical development and implementation of research as part of a cross-functional team, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory, pilot plant, and operations methods; interpret results and translate findings into actionable solutions. Apply prior scientific work to experimental design and outcomes. Follow best practices and Standard Operating Procedures and recommend improvements to processes and protocols.
• Work closely with Engineering, 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 scientific developments with global technical partners to support adaptation and adoption across Suntory Global Spirits sites and initiatives.
• Serve as a direct R&D resource for projects of low to moderate complexity, including cost reduction and process optimization initiatives, working closely with key business partners to define process requirements and deliver product and process solutions.
• Partner with external suppliers and development companies as required to extend solution possibilities and identify, evaluate, and implement new enabling technologies, processes, and raw materials that support product and process innovation.
• Demonstrate a solid technical and business understanding of the competitive set, supplier base, adjacent categories, emerging technologies, and on / off-premise practices and trends. Effectively incorporate this learning into research strategies and idea generation to influence future direction and drive innovation.
• Develop process design and operating specifications, and provide input on ingredient and in-process specifications for new or revised solutions as required. Where applicable, contribute to performance-based specifications and proprietary advantages to protect investments and limit competitive exposure.
• Mentor junior team members, including Assistant Scientists, supporting their development and contributions to project execution.
• Contribute to the SGS R&D Intellectual Property (IP) Team by supporting the development of an IP structure that safeguards innovations and fosters long-term growth and competitive advantage.
• Work effectively in a global, cross-cultural environment, collaborating with colleagues and partners across regions to drive innovation and share learnings.

Qualifications

At Suntory Global Spirits, 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. Suntory Global Spirits 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 protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant's skills and experience.

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