Electrical Engineer
Overview

As an Electrical Engineering professional in the whisky industry, you are responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and improving the electrical systems and equipment used in the production of whisky. You will often work in cross-functional project teams consisting of brewing, packaging, utilities, civil engineers and project managers. You will contribute to Capex investment projects and ensure electrical systems are safe, secure and integrated in design. You will play a key role contributing to construction, start-up and operation of new, revamped and extended equipment in the brewery.

Role Description

Main duties and responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of an electrical engineer in the whisky industry vary depending on the specific company and production process. However, some common duties and responsibilities of an electrical engineer include:

  1. Execute site surveys and contribute to Masterplans for breweries. Including the support and advice for breweries with strategic decisions in respect to power generation and distribution technology.
  2. Discuss scope and challenge investments with brewery management and project managers.
  3. Designing and developing electrical systems, equipment and components that are safe, reliable, and efficient. This may involve working with other engineers and technicians to develop schematics, wiring diagrams, and other technical specifications.
  4. Work with other engineers and technicians to develop and test electrical systems to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards and regulations.
  5. Install and maintain electrical equipment used in the production process, including motors, sensors, and control systems. This involves troubleshooting problems with electrical equipment and repair or replacement of faulty components as needed.
  6. Developing and implementing electrical control systems to regulate the production process, including temperature and pressure control systems. Including developing and implementing safety systems to protect workers and prevent equipment damage.
  7. Prepare and manage project projects related to the electrical systems and equipment used in the production process. This may include overseeing the installation of new equipment or upgrades to existing equipment. Contribute to internal projects for standardisation, innovation, gate-keeping and quality assurance.
  8. Ensuring electrical systems and equipment comply with relevant regulations and safety standards by keeping up to date with changes to regulations and working with other engineers and technicians to ensure that all equipment and systems are up to code.
  9. Developing and maintain documentation related to electrical systems and equipment, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and maintenance records. Ensuring all documentation is up to date and accurate.
  10. Training and mentoring other engineers and technicians in the proper use and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment.
  11. Writing reports and compiling data regarding existing and potential electrical engineering projects and studies.
  12. Preparing specifications for purchases of electrical equipment and materials. Guide, monitor and check suppliers and monitor schedules and budgets.

Overall, as an electrical engineer in the whisky industry you will play a critical role in ensuring that all electrical systems and equipment used in the production process are safe, reliable, and efficient. You will work closely with other engineers and technicians to design, install, maintain, and improve these systems, while also ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards.

Qualifications Required

  • 4-8 years relevant working experience;
  • Proven track record of Electrical design and implementation in food & beverage industry;
  • Understanding of the configuration of a brewery;
  • Knowledge of Power generation and distribution (MV/LV);
  • Knowledge of renewable energy generation (solar, wind, etc.)
  • Knowledge of Diesel generator sets and Power quality solutions;
  • Understanding of operational aspects of electrical installations (e.g. maintenance);
  • Understanding of operations controlled by PLC-SCADA and bus systems
  • Understanding of digital developments in manufacturing industry (Data collection and analysis, reporting, IoT, AI, PCD cybersecurity);
  • Knowledge of electrical legislation, norms and regulations.
Did you know?
  1. Electrical engineers in the whisky industry play a crucial role in ensuring that the production process runs smoothly and efficiently, as well as maintaining the safety of workers and the equipment.
  2. They may work on a range of tasks, including designing and developing electrical systems and equipment, installing and maintaining equipment, and developing and implementing electrical control systems.
  3. In addition to their technical expertise, electrical engineers in the whisky industry must also have strong communication and project management skills to coordinate with other engineers, technicians, and contractors.
  4. Electrical engineers in the whisky industry may work with a range of specialized equipment, including stills, condensers, pumps, and sensors.
  5. The whisky industry is constantly evolving, and electrical engineers must stay up to date with the latest technological advancements and regulatory changes to ensure that their systems and equipment remain efficient and compliant with industry standards.
  6. Due to the unique challenges of working in the whisky industry, electrical engineers may also develop specialized expertise in areas such as process automation, energy management, and environmental sustainability.
  7. Electrical engineers in the whisky industry may have the opportunity to work with some of the most iconic whisky brands in the world, including Glenfiddich, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin.
Resources
  1. Whisky Distilleries: Check the websites of whisky distilleries in the UK, such as Glenfiddich, The Macallan, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. Many of these distilleries employ electrical engineers and may post job openings on their websites.
  2. Professional Associations: As mentioned earlier, professional associations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) offer job listings and other resources for electrical engineers in the UK.
  3. Recruitment Agencies: There are several recruitment agencies that specialize in placing engineering professionals in the whisky industry. Some examples include Escape Recruitment Services, SRG Engineering, and Solutions Driven.
  4. Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Totaljobs are popular job boards where you can search for electrical engineering positions in the whisky industry in the UK.
  5. Networking: Attend industry conferences, job fairs, and other networking events to meet people in the whisky industry. Building relationships with industry professionals can help you learn about job openings and other opportunities.
Related Case Studies

The Scotch Whisky Association

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