NEW CANEY BEVERAGE, INC. — WE'RE HIRING: QA TECHNICIAN
Location: New Caney, TX (18913 Phillip Wy, New Caney, TX 77357 — off US-59/69, close to Kingwood, Humble, and Atascocita)
Department: Quality Assurance
Pay: $16–$19 / hr, DOE
Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
WHY JOIN NCB?
New Caney Beverage, Inc. (NCB) is a beverage manufacturer with a world-class production facility in New Caney, Texas. This is a ground-floor opportunity on a small, fast-moving team where your work directly protects product quality and safety — and your contributions are seen and valued.
- Competitive pay: $16–$19/hr, DOE
- Consistent full-time hours with overtime opportunities
- Small team environment on a growing production floor
- Be part of building quality systems from the ground up
POSITION SUMMARY
The QA Technician is the hands-on quality presence on the production floor and in the NCB laboratory. This role performs routine quality testing (micro, pH, Brix, fill weights, visual inspections), documents results, and reports non-conformances to the QA Manager. The QA Tech plays a critical role in maintaining product quality in real time during production and ensuring accurate quality records for regulatory compliance and client requirements.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Conduct in-process testing — pH, Brix, dissolved oxygen, fill weights, carbonation levels, temperature
- Collect, label, and manage retain samples for shelf-life studies
- Perform visual inspections of packaging — seam integrity, label placement, date codes, lot codes
- Verify incoming Certificates of Analysis (COAs) against approved specifications and report discrepancies to the QA Manager
- Document all test results in quality records; maintain lab notebooks and electronic logs
- Prepare and maintain lab reagents, media, and equipment (refractometer, pH meter, luminometer, CO2 meter, densimeter, turbidimeter, etc.)
- Perform microbiological testing (total plate count, yeast/mold, coliform) per testing schedule
- Perform environmental monitoring — swabs, air quality plates, and water testing
- Support sanitation verification — ATP swabs after changeovers
- Assist the QA Manager with audit preparation — organizing records, verifying calibration certificates
- Notify the QA Manager and Production Manager immediately of any out-of-spec results
- Participate in mock recalls and traceability exercises
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of experience in food, beverage, or manufacturing quality assurance preferred
- Microbiology knowledge (plating, incubation, colony counting) and sample preparation experience preferred
- Proficiency with lab instruments — pH meter, refractometer (Brix), CO2/Carbo QC meter
- Knowledge of GMP and food safety laboratory practices
- Strong documentation skills — attention to detail in recording and reporting
- Ability to work in both the lab and on the production floor
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Able to lift 40 lbs
- Able to stand for extended periods (full shift)
- Able to work in hot, cold, and wet production environments
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (BONUS POINTS)
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field
- HACCP awareness training
- Experience with SQF or similar food safety audit requirements
- Beverage manufacturing experience
- Bilingual English/Spanish
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This position supports a beverage manufacturing facility operating multiple production lines and packaging formats
- Work may involve exposure to wet environments, temperature variations, cleaning chemicals, and food production areas
- Flexibility to support occasional overtime, weekends, and production trials may be required
Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Briefly describe your hands-on experience with lab instruments such as pH meters, refractometers (Brix), or CO2/carbonation meters, and any microbiological testing you've performed.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Quality assurance: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Preferred)
- Spanish (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
