This position is based out of our Deep Eddy Vodka facility in Buda, TX.
What the Role Is
The Manufacturing Plant Engineer will provide leadership, project management, and engineering support to distilling, bottling, and processing operations at Deep Eddy Vodka. This role will lead the expansion of facilities in the growing industry of distilled spirits. This position will spend time collaborating with all levels throughout the organization on organizational needs and priorities to support both existing operations and growth with an emphasis on high-quality products, employee involvement, continuous improvement, and profitability.
The Manufacturing Plant Engineer will work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to support new and improved processes. The position will be based in Buda, TX, but depending on organizational needs, travel could be required to other Heaven Hill sites.
How You Will Spend Your Time?
- Responsible for the successful implementation of capital projects through effective collaboration and buy-in from all stakeholders, including leaders, peers, team members, and internal / external customers
- Collaborate with various sites to deliver capital projects on time, on budget, and safely
- Manage strategic and cost improvement projects, including processing, bottling lines, packaging lines, controls and automation, new facilities, and infrastructure upgrades
- Function as subject matter expert for Engineering, Project Management, and Electrical / Controls / Automation
- Offer recommendations for system and equipment designs to increase productivity, reliability, sustainability, and reduce cost
- Plan and recommend capital equipment purchases to support and improve manufacturing processes, and complete financial analysis for such recommendations
- Monitor implementation of capital projects to ensure that standards and expectations for each objective are completed as planned
- Consult with vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status
- Understand PLC / HMI / SCADA and instrumentation, and the ability to partner with specialists or OEMs
- Maintain a working knowledge of relevant codes / standards and practices in our industry (OSHA expectations, NFPA electrical safety, hazardous area concepts; familiarity with TTB / food safety documentation).
- Own the full project lifecycle (charter, business case, design, procurement, installation, commissioning / startup, handoff) using Project Success Criteria (PSC) and change control (MOC).
- Coordinate bid events (RFI / RFQ / RFP), contractor selection, and construction safety. Ensure safe work plans (LOTO, hot work, confined space) are utilized throughout the project life cycle.
- Lead scope, schedule, budget, risk, and resource planning. Drive disciplined cost control and accruals for CAPEX / OPEX
- Manage stakeholder alignment across plant and corporate teams. Proactively provide status updates, decision logs, and lessons learned.
- Engineer projects to meet or exceed EHS, food safety / quality, and regulatory requirements in a distillery environment.
- Support risk assessments, hazardous area classification, and electrical safety expectations; ensure documentation is current.
- Partner with Maintenance to optimize PMs, spares, and CMMS data integrity. Track MTBF / MTTR, downtime drivers, and OEE to justify capital to support improvements.
Who You Are...
Required Skills and Experience :
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Packaging, or related engineering field)Minimum 3 years' experience in an engineering project management role in a manufacturing environmentProficient computer skills with experience utilizing computer-aided design software, industrial control software, and project management softwareHands-on experience in Project Management, Engineering Design, Construction Management, and Plant OperationsHands-on experience with Electrical / ControlsHands-on experience with project execution, equipment specification, installation, and startup.Functional literacy with CAD (e.g., AutoCAD), project management tools (e.g., MS Project), and reading P&IDs and electrical schematics.Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance, with the ability to read blueprints and electrical schematicsCritical thinking by using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problemsAbility to interpret and apply written procedures and standards governing manufacturing processesMust be highly analytical and possess excellent problem-solving skills, sound decision-making skills, and the ability to meet deadlines in a team-oriented environmentProficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft ProjectStrong organizational and time management skillsMust be a highly motivated and self-directed individual