Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services, the #1 custom sparkling wine producer in the United States, is seeking to add an QC Tech PM to our team.
The primary responsibilities of this position will be performing Quality Control checks before and during still and sparkling wine bottlings and providing support to Lab as needed. This QC & Lab Technician will work with the Production, Winemaking and Lab Teams on all production-related activities.
- Maintain a safe work environment in all work facilities.
- Checking that pre-bottling tanks meet client specifications.
- Checking materials before bottling to ensure they are correct and meet specifications
- Checking that dosage meets client specifications.
- Performing QC checks at start-up and throughout the run to ensure that the wine and final product meet quality specifications. This includes checking in the daily analysis spreadsheet that the analytical results for Free/Total SO2, Alcohol, Density meet client and work order specifications.
- Perform testing during the quality control checks (Vacuum test, Torque testing, Volume, Oxygen, and CO2 measurements).
- Perform case checks at the end of the line to ensure packaging compliance.
- Will advise Line Leads & Management of deviations in quality and will have the authority to stop the line if necessary.
- When the product is found to be non-compliant will place the product on Hold and will document and participate in the QC hold procedure.
- Responsible for the review and accuracy of all analysis and data entry pertaining to production.
- Will liaise with laboratory personnel to address any discrepancies.
- Will run lab analysis and perform end of day lab tasks in the absence of lab personnel during second shift.
- Will track secondary fermentation of the sparkling wine by pressure check.
- Will participate in harvest performing Brix and temperature measurements of fermenting wine as needed.
- Cleans and maintains the quality of Quality Control laboratory instruments.
- Be able to work a second shift or extended hours and weekends.
- Performs special projects as requested.
- Keeps Quality Control laboratory clean and maintains the supply of clean glassware.
- Assist with maintaining GMP standards and other quality-related certifications as required.
Essential Lab Responsibilities:
- Able to follow Work Instructions and Standard Operating Procedures while paying particular attention to chemical and physical safety.
- Maintain orderliness of samples, surfaces, lab equipment, and instrumentation.
- Sample from tanks and barrels.
- Receive samples into the laboratory and prepare for analysis.
- Perform checks of fermentation during harvest.
- Maintain inventory of lab supplies to support seamless operation.
- Ensure that chemicals are properly labeled.
- Assist with projects as required; support laboratory needs, or projects as requested.
- Possess understanding of analytical quality control.
o Analyze calibration verification standards
o Interpret calibration verification data
o Report deviations from calibration verification control limits
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
The successful candidate’s background includes:
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2 years of experience working in a Quality Control position and/or Laboratory
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Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Enology, or other similar degree preferred
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Must have excellent multitasking skills, good computer skills, be able to work with Excel and Word
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Must be team-oriented and self-motivated
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Must have excellent problem-solving skills both analytically and pertaining to quality issues on the line
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Able to prioritize workload and efficiently handle deadlines with focused attention to detail
Physical Requirements
The lab presents a unique environment that requires performing tasks of a repetitious nature, the ability to change job priorities and the need for speed, accuracy, and precision to ensure the highest quality standards. Working conditions in certain areas of the winery are cold, wet, slippery, and noisy. The job requires candidates to be able to work on their feet for long periods, including the ability to go up and down stairs and bending are required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Established in 2007 in Northern California by wine industry veterans Rebecca Faust and Bruce Lundquist, Rack & Riddle was founded with the mission to craft superior sparkling wines. Through years of steadfast dedication and thoughtful expansion, Rack & Riddle has become the #1 custom sparkling wine producer in the United States with 3.5 million cases of capacity. An exceptional winemaking team dedicated to the mastery of sparkling wine supported by state-of-the-art technology, delivers turnkey grape-to-bottle, wine-to-bottle, and private label sparkling wine services with tank sizes ranging from 500 to 100,000 gallons. Our wineries, rooted in Sonoma County, specialize in Méthode Champenoise, Charmat, and in-line carbonation solutions producing the best of all things sparkling. The company’s cutting-edge Healdsburg facility also offers high capacity, fully automated still wine capabilities. The company prides itself on being an upstanding member of the communities in which it operates and is committed to operating fairly, ethically, and sustainably.
Rack & Riddle is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This role's compensation is anticipated to fit within the stated range. These figures represent what we reasonably expect to pay for this position, but the actual compensation offered will depend on numerous job-related factors, including but not limited to candidate skills, knowledge, and education.
