Quality Control Specialist Jobs in Kentucky

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2026, and a Japanese distillery in Chitose that will be completed in late 2026.

With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila and Mezcal brands.

Role Overview:

Responsible for monitoring quality and adherence to specifications for all whiskey production. Provides information to production employees on the interpretation and application of related quality standards by using problem-solving techniques and objective testing to ensure conformance to standards. Collects and reports quality, production, and process information to management. Primary conductor of laboratory testing and other departmental activities to maintain compliance with TTB regulations and quality standards. Responsible for coordinating the qualitative analysis of raw materials, intermediates, and new whiskey samples collected throughout the distillation process and chemical analysis, adjustment, and approval for grains, fermentations, distillate, and by-products.

Responsibilities:

• Perform HPLC analysis of mash/beer daily and as required.
• Perform accurate and timely analysis of raw materials, production, by-product samples and any other samples that may be necessary to monitor the production process.
• Perform data entry and analysis as required to maintain production logs or other data capture tools.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of all distillery laboratory and production monitoring equipment to ensure compliance.
• Participate in process and product troubleshooting efforts and provide analytical support as requested. Partner with Operations to troubleshoot material quality concerns.
• Maintain statistical process control charts and lead reviews with operations to drive improvements to yield and quality.
• Responsible for the quality root cause corrective action program in the distillery.
• Ensure that routine sensory and training samples are pulled, prepared, and tested as required.
• Assist with result interpretation and analysis.
• Conduct Quality System audits as assigned. Follow up with stakeholders to ensure corrective actions are taken to address findings.
• Document process deviations and report to management.
• Maintain awareness and demonstrate willingness to conform to all hygiene and sanitation requirements as detailed in the Quality Standards.
• Testing: Monitor incoming grain quality through grain testing.
• Milling: Monitor the milling process through sieve analysis.
• Mashing: Monitor mash and beer as needed to ensure process control and quality.
• Fermentation: Monitor fermentation process to identify any deviations in product and process. Report out of specification conditions to Distillery and QC management.
• Distillation: Monitor still operation by analyzing samples for proof and base loss.
• New Whiskey Load out: Sample, monitor and report load-out activities to ensure accuracy of the distillery yield metric and TTB reporting requirements. Ensure compliance with new whiskey security protocols throughout the process.
• Ensure that all distillery water systems adhere to water quality standards and specifications.

Assist in providing Quality training for all employees as needed.

• Must meet/comply with all safety requirements, attend required training, and wear personal protective equipment where required.
• Responsible for covering distillery, bottling, or processing operations due to vacation, leave, or as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or related field and a minimum of 2 years of distillery quality related experience or experience in beverage/food industry, analytical methods and laboratory procedures including general laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct analytical testing by following test methods and accurately interpreting results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Possess physical capabilities to safely satisfy work requirements within industrial work settings.
• Includes the expectations of bending and lifting heavy objects (50+ lbs).
• Able to work in a hot/cold, noisy work environment, climb steps/walk/stand for extended periods of time and tolerate exposure to alcohol fumes, carbon dioxide and grain dust (corn, rye, malted barley).

What You Can Add to the Team:

• Experience in the beverage or food industry.
• Professional certifications related to Quality.
• Knowledge of TTB regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Statistical Process Control.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HACCP and GMP’s.