Food & Beverage Quality Assurance Analyst

The Quality Assurance department is responsible for ensuring the high quality and safety of all products manufactured at Spoetzl Brewery throughout each stage of production. This includes the quality of yeast health, brewhouse wort, finished beer, and the final packaged product and packaging material itself. The QA Analyst is responsible for conducting analytical testing of beer as well as monitoring the integrity of the packaged product and packaging process. A successful technician must be highly motivated, self-sufficient, and able to manage their time efficiently in order conduct all testing required by production in a timely manner. The technician must also be able to effectively communicate those results to all levels of management and production staff as they recognize and address any potential quality issues before they are able to impact the final product. A successful candidate must be willing to work shift work, as brewery operation is not restricted to 8-5.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be able to arrive for scheduled shift without additional accommodations

• Withstand several hours standing or walking for most shifts

• Perform physical duties, including but not limited to pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting, & walking

• Basic aptitude for math, chemistry, and microbiology 

• Strong verbal communication skills

• Basic computer skills

• Ability to understand and operate basic laboratory testing equipment, as well, as some more advanced analytical instruments

• High level of organizational skills, including written and verbal communication, creative problem solving, and commitment to company goals

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting

• Knowledge of food safety principles

• Desire for continuing education and training in Quality Assurance and brewing processes

• Ability to work in teams, as well, as independently on projects

• Innovative attitude towards continuous improvements to testing procedures and productivity

• Associates preferred with relevant experience

Additional desired skills and qualifications:

· Strong working knowledge of database software, Excel, and other Microsoft Office software

· Knowledge of FDA GMP’s

· Understanding of HACCP principles

· Familiarity with modern brewing processes and fermentation systems

Job Duties:

• Perform process checks throughout the production, packaging, sanitation and warehousing functions of the company, including:

· Equipment operational checks

· Sanitation verification

· Beer Analysis (turbidity measurement, alcohol testing, color analysis, pH measurement, flavor analysis, etc.)

· Packaging Quality Checks (package integrity checks, CO₂ analysis, Dissolved Oxygen monitoring)

· Label checks

· Organoleptic testing

· Calibrate test equipment

· Shelf life testing

· Monitor on-site waste water quality

· Test yeast quality and monitor fermentation cycles

· Document all testing results and exercise good judgment on the appropriate course of action when results indicate unacceptable changes in product quality

· Maintain accurate and organized records of QA activities

· Maintain organized inventory of retained products

· Provide independent oversight of processes in order to verify compliance to company standards and processes

· Effectively communicate when there are deviations from standards or processes

· Conduct independent research on Quality Assurance issues and deliver reports on research to management

· Actively seek, recommend, champion and execute projects to enhance overall product and process quality

· Report to Quality Assurance Management team

Spoetzl Brewery provides equal opportunity in all our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training, and social and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis.