Quality Assurance Technician (Milton Brewery)

The Quality Technician will ensure the integrity of each batch of product and consistent quality of production by enforcing good manufacturing practice (GMP) systems, conducting analysis, validating processes, and providing documentation. This position will fill an essential role in monitoring quality programs through regular process checks as well as short- and long-term projects. The QA Technician will collect samples and perform physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory analysis. This position will properly report all data, findings and issues/concerns to appropriate co-workers and will report directly to the Quality Assurance Supervisor.

What You'll Brew:

• Performs tasks to support the day-to-day responsibilities of the Quality Team.
• Performs lab analyses, audits, process reviews, and designated production operations.
• Supports CPI (continuous process improvement) of all functional areas of the brewery by fully embracing all departmental initiatives as pertain to quality excellence.
• Maintains lab space and equipment in a clean, neat, and functional fashion, following all prescribed safety and sanitation standards.
• Provides accurate and timely feedback and recommendations to co-workers, management, and production contacts about the current status of raw materials and in-process and finished-beer.
• Participates in sensory training providing unbiased analysis for the betterment of the department and the beer.
• Takes an active role in CPI (continuous process improvement) initiatives; leads by example.
• Maintains a good working knowledge of operations areas (propagation, brewing, cellaring, clarification, finishing, packaging, etc.).
• Performs all required equipment checks, standardizations, calibrations, and other actions necessary to ensure reliable, accurate data.
• Documents and reports all results, findings, and critical info on appropriate forms/files and via designated intra-company communication tools.
• Evaluates results vs product and/or process standards. Reports atypical results to the Analysis and/or Compliance Supervisor, Quality Manager, and operations folks as necessary.
• Champions departmental initiatives and standards with regard to sanitation and good housekeeping practices.
• Provides accurate and timely feedback and recommendations to management and production contacts about the current status of raw materials and beer.
• Maintains working knowledge of equipment mechanics and systems operations; performs basic trouble-shooting and basic repair as indicated by management, calls in Maintenance and Engineering resources as needed.
• Supports R&D projects as assigned.
• Fosters positive working relationships and good communication both within the quality department and inter-departmentally; builds collaboration with others.
• Performs all laboratory tasks including collecting samples, fill heights, media/reagent prep, supply prep and sterilization, pH, forced ferments, viable cell counts, color, IBU, water chemistry, operating the Anton Parr, aseptic yeast transfers, congress mash, sensory analysis, titrations, processing micro samples, etc.
• Enforces and adheres to all safety regulations as required by the position and the company's safety policy.
• Works various shifts as needed to support 24/7 operation.
• Performs technical lab analyses in all lab areas, such as micro identification, yeast culture management, HPLC, GC, sensory panel, etc.; reports on and interprets results.
• Performs operations checks and tasks, such as malt sieve test, vessel temp, gravity, diacetyl rests, dissolved oxygen, carbonation, titrations, prop inoculation/CIP/Sanitizing, crash tanks, etc.
• Collaborates with all fellow production teams in a positive, collaborative manner, engaging in healthy, proactive communication in the spirit of operational improvement as pertains to the best interest of the beer.
• Utilizes all equipment, controls, operating systems, and any other new technologies as introduced in the department.
• Learns continuously through various departmental training initiatives; demonstrates training assimilation, performs process and procedure training to others in accordance with departmental standards.
• Seeks to continually enhance brewing and technical knowledge both independently through reading and learning and via the team; serves as an ambassador of our team, our brewery, and our profession in a variety of venues.
• Performs other jobs as needed.
• Mastery and demonstration in 1 of the following roles:
• Packaging - The Quality Technician will ensure the integrity of each batch of product and consistent quality of production by enforcing good manufacturing practice (GMP) systems, conducting analyses, validating processes, and providing documentation. This position will fill an essential role in monitoring quality programs through regular process checks as well as short and long-term projects. Assist in the decision-making process as it related to production and release of product
• Microbiology - The Quality Technician will perform all routine microbiological analysis. This includes sterile sampling, facilitating micro plating and identifying microbes while reading plates. Additionally, the technician will prepare media and plates to support testing requirements of production Autoclave use, data entry, incubation of samples, yeast counting, stocking supplies, and maintaining lab equipment are also key areas of responsibility. The technician will also support the staff Microbiologist as needed with yeast propagation and testing
• Analytical - Dashboard - The Quality Technician will execute all associated testing for daily fermentation monitoring. The role will facilitate, collect, and test beer samples for daily gravities and GC analysis The technician will have advanced knowledge of instruments used to measure beer density, alcohol, headspace volatiles, IBU and color spectrophotometry. This role with interpret, record, and communicate all findings daily to key stakeholders and release and hold process beer.. Additional responsibilities include shipping and receiving samples for third party analysis, stocking supplies, and maintaining lab equipment used for testing

What Ingredients You'll Bring:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 4yr Bachelors Degree in science, chemistry, biology, or certificate in brewing
• 0-1 yrs of experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of GMP thru work experience
• Must be proficient with computers and automated equipment to input and understand data as required. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge of basic laboratory and production safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Must have demonstrated ability to successfully work in a self-directed work force
• Proven analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Level: 91C