Job Title: QA Technician
Job Type: Full Time, Hourly
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Department: Operations
Reports to: Director of Quality
The QC Technician I performs and records routine quality checks throughout the beer and beverage production and packaging processes and supports troubleshooting and process-improvement work as directed. This is an entry-level lab role focused on accurate sampling, testing, and data recording under the guidance of the Director of Quality and senior QC staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Collect samples for analysis including samples for physchem, sensory, and micro.
- Perform standardized physchem testing on in-process and finished beer including but not limited to: ABV, IBU, color, turbidity, pH, forced fermentations, vicinal diketone (VDK) force testing, and acetaldehyde.
- Perform standardized physical testing on packaged product including but not limited to: total packaged oxygen (TPO), carbonation, fill levels, seam checks, and crimp checks.
- Assist with microbiological testing including but not limited to: aseptic sampling, environmental swabbing, autoclaving, sample preparation, media plating, and PCR testing.
- Assist with daily sensory panels for bright tank / batch release, pull samples for the sensory library, and ensure results are recorded correctly.
- Accurately record and report data daily in all required documentation and databases.
- Empowered to hold and release beer or product based on established QC specifications.
- Communicate out-of-specification results promptly to the appropriate person.
- Perform basic preventative maintenance and calibrations on equipment such as the Anton Paar, pH meters, and balances; run control beer to confirm equipment is performing correctly.
- Troubleshoot lab equipment and work with manufacturers or senior staff as needed.
- Prepare stock solutions, media, and other reagents needed for lab operation.
- Assist with tracking lab supply inventory and submitting order requests in a timely manner.
- Maintain a professional and clean lab by storing and organizing supplies, washing labware, and wiping down counter tops daily.
- Cross-train on additional microbiological methods and yeast propagation procedures as assigned.
- Adhere to all facility GMP/GLP requirements and work safely within the brewery and lab at all times.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. AA or bachelor’s degree in STEM or a related field preferred.
- Experience: Academic or professional laboratory experience preferred. Brewery or food/beverage manufacturing experience, with GMP/GLP, a plus.
- Knowledge: Basic understanding of brewing and packaging processes.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Brewing science, cGMP, or Cicerone program certificates a plus.
- Language Skills: Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to multitask, strong organizational skills, and detail oriented.
- Pay Range: $21.00 – $23.13/hr.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance, 401K, and benefits programs.
- Company beer perks program and discounts.
- Paid Time Off — including Vacation accrual, Sick Leave, and paid Holidays.
