Research Engineer II

What makes this a great opportunity?

• The spirits and RTD (Ready-to-Drink) beverage industry is evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences, emerging technologies, and a growing demand for innovation. At Suntory Global Spirits, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, crafting premium products that inspire and delight. 
• As part of the Data & Research team, the Research Engineer II plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our RTD and spirits portfolio through research initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to explore and develop scientific solutions that provide sustainable competitive advantages, influencing product innovation, quality, and efficiency across the business. 
• You’ll lead and contribute to research projects that span experimental design, ingredient and process exploration, and technology evaluation—partnering closely with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Sensory, Operations, and Marketing. Your work will help uncover insights and opportunities that drive the next generation of consumer-driven products. 
• This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, data-driven environment and is passionate about applying research to real-world challenges. It offers broad exposure to strategic innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the future of Suntory Global Spirits. 

Role 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

• M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field preferred, with 2+ years of relevant experience. 
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related field required, with 4+ years of relevant experience. 
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the food and/or beverage industry. 
• Highly self-motivated and proactive self-starter, comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes unstructured environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. 
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience partnering across R&D, Marketing, Product Development, Regulatory, Operations, Procurement, Engineering, and external suppliers. 
• Experience supporting research initiatives in RTDs and/or distilled spirits is a strong plus. 
• Strong experimental design and data analysis capabilities. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and related tools for data analysis, visualization, and reporting. 
• Familiarity with laboratory environments, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments, including equipment functionality and process design at manufacturing scale. 
• Understanding AI technologies and their potential applications in product and process research is a plus. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with a commitment to timely follow-up and openness to feedback. 
• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-cultural organization across time zones and regions. 
• Ability to travel globally to partner in project work with internal and external clients—travel approx. 10–30%, with half in local Kentucky operations and Chicago/New York corporate offices. 
• Must be able to consume limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples for research evaluation purposes. 
• Physically fit for work in lab and pilot plant environments, including standing, moving, and lifting up to 50 pounds.