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Beverage Tech Development

Diageo · Plainfield, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a lab or technical project you worked on from start to finish. What was your part?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on technical experience they can explain clearly, since this is an early-career training program.

Tell me about a time you had to learn something quickly to finish a project.

What they are checking: Whether they can absorb new technical knowledge fast during a 12-month training contract.

This is a 12-month contract with a chance to join full time. What would you want to have shown by the end?

What they are checking: Whether they think about building a track record and relationships that earn a permanent offer.

Tell me about a time you worked on a team with people from very different backgrounds.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well, since the program puts them alongside many functions and people.

What would you do

You notice a result in the lab that doesn't match the spec. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report and investigate odd results instead of quietly rerunning until they get the answer they want.

How would you work with production operators who have years more experience than you?

What they are checking: Whether they can learn from the floor with humility while still bringing their technical input.

How would you handle working with alcohol products responsibly in a job setting?

What they are checking: Whether they take responsible drinking standards seriously, which matter at a premium alcohol company.

About the work

How would you check that a new beverage recipe made in the lab will taste the same at full production scale?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that scale-up changes mixing, timing and ingredient behavior in ways a small batch hides.

What do you know about how spirits like whisky or vodka are made?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic curiosity about the products and processes at a spirits plant like Plainfield.

Why is food safety and quality documentation so important in beverage manufacturing?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that traceability and records protect consumers and brands with long histories.

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The full job description

As published by Diageo.

Job Description : Beverage Technical Development Training (TDT Program) Please note that this is a 12 month Contract position that will offer full-time hours and an opportunity to join Diageo upon completion in a Full-Time position. A nticipated start date will be July 2027. About Us: With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate, and innovate to build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you’ll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future. Join us to build a career worth celebrating. Which company will you join? From Arthur Guinness to Johnnie Walker, our business was founded on people of outstanding character, and in 250 years, nothing has changed. We’re the world’s leading premium alcohol company! Our brands are industry icons including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Our success is thanks to the strength of our people, in every role. It’s why we trust them with our legacy and why we reward them with the career-defining opportunities that they deserve. Our ambition is to build the best performing, most trusted and respected Consumer Products Company in the world. To achieve these, we need the very best people! At Diageo, our purpose is to celebrate life everywhere, every day. To do that, you will join an organization that is passionate about customers and consumers, and proud of what they do. Diageo teams constantly set high goals and then try hard to exceed them. We are also an incredibly diverse organization, and we value each and every one’s talent and personality. Beverage Tech Development As a member of the Beverage Technical Development Program (TDT), you will get first-hand experience with our work, our people, our values, and our culture. TDT contractors are given real responsibilities and challenges with projects that have an immediate impact on the business. Throughout the year, you are given multiple opportunities to interact with senior management through both their project work as well as informational and cultural events. All contractors also receive individual coaching and training from their immediate manager and cross-functional mentor. You will be encouraged to perform to our high standards and are given the same kind of performance feedback we give our full-time employees. During the 12-month contract, you may: • Lead liquid processing or fermentation / distillation optimization (laboratory scale to pilot or manufacturing scale). • Complete laboratory batching, formulation, and scale-up trials to support the liquid team during the commercialization process • Be responsible for the production of trial cooks, fermentations, and distillations, as well as batches and sales samples in the Commercialization Lab (Diageo's Pilot Plant), ensuring products are delivered on time and with outstanding quality. • Generate new liquid and raw material specifications, running and inputting data into SAP • Operate sophisticated analytical chemistry equipment (e.g. HPLC, Gas Chromatography) for the purpose of generating insights and developing new laboratory testing methods Key Qualifications • Acquired or expecting to obtain a minimum Bachelor academic degree by July 202 7 , studying one of the following subjects Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Ag/Bio Engineering, Biochemistry, or other relevant degree • Strong interpersonal/communication skills • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to gather and analyze data • Shown ability to work independently and drive projects to conclusion • Confidence, adaptability, and resiliency in challenging situations and a fast-paced environment • Must be of legal drinking age by start of employment Flexible Working Statement: Flexibility is key to our success. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you’re supported to manage your wellbeing and balance your priorities from day one. Rewards & Benefits Statement: We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package. Diversity statement: Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this. We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you’ll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You’ll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, and more. Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world. Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you capture this information when you submit your application. Worker Type : Regular Primary Location: Plainfield Tech Centre Additional Locations : Job Posting Start Date : 2026-08-31

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