Industrial Automation Controls Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Shape the future of a historic distillery’s automation

At Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, our craft is rooted in 1773 and refined by generations of innovators—from E.H. Taylor, Jr. to Elmer T. Lee. As a National Historic Landmark and multi‑award‑winning producer of bourbon, rye, and vodka, we’re expanding our automation team.

Join us as a Controls Technician supporting a fully operational distillery. This full‑time night shift position runs 6pm–6am on a rotating 2‑2‑3 schedule with a starting wage of $37.06 per hour.

As the plant winds up for the evening run, you’ll scan PLC diagnostics, verify MCC and VFD health, and ensure conveyors, robots, and sensors are synced and safe. You’ll read electrical schematics and ladder logic to isolate faults, then dig in—pulling and terminating conduit and wire on 240‑volt 3‑phase and 440‑volt equipment, swapping relays, aligning electric eyes, and tuning drives. You’ll program Allen‑Bradley PLCs, adjust I/O, and bring lines back up smoothly. Between calls, you’ll service and repair machinery, fixtures, piping, and plumbing systems, study blueprints and manuals, and translate sketches or oral instructions into reliable fixes.

• Plant electrical work: PLC and MCC installation, commissioning, and maintenance
• Keep PLCs, robots, and automation assets performing to spec
• Interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and ladder logic
• Install, troubleshoot, and maintain conduit, motors, and equipment on 240‑V 3‑phase and 440‑V systems
• Install and tune variable‑speed drives; diagnose electronic control circuits including photoeyes and relay logic
• Program and modify A.B. (Allen‑Bradley) PLCs
• Inspect, repair, adjust, clean, and maintain machinery, fixtures, piping, and plumbing
• Follow documentation from drawings, manuals, computer screens, sketches, and verbal direction

• 3+ years of hands‑on industrial automation experience
• Proven maintenance track record in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Experience with electrical systems, PLC programming/hardware, and equipment troubleshooting
• Willing and able to work second or third shift
• Strong initiative, problem‑solving, and attention to detail with high accuracy
• Ability to read/interpret electrical drawings and ladder logic; operate industrial equipment
• Clear communication and effective teamwork
• Excellent safety and attendance history
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Screening: Successful candidates will be required to receive acceptable scores on several tests including mechanical and electrical aptitude exams, pre-employment physical, and drug/alcohol screening

• Associate’s in Electrical or Mechanical Maintenance, or Journeyman Electrician
• Manufacturing systems background
• Rockwell Automation controls training
• Allen‑Bradley PLC programming experience

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) — Allen‑Bradley
• Conveyor systems

Bring your expertise to one of America’s most storied distilleries and help keep our lines—and legacy—running strong.