SUMMARY
As a Quality Assurance Lab Technician, you will support the Brewing and Packaging Departments by performing laboratory tests, analyzing samples, and ensuring all processes meet quality specifications. Working under the Quality Manager, you will partner with staff across departments to uphold quality standards, troubleshoot issues, and maintain compliance with SOPs, GMPs, and safety requirements. This role involves hands-on lab work, analytical testing, microbiology, data analysis, monitor process specifications, and support beer quality from brewhouse to packaging. You’ll also help drive continuous improvement, provide lab coverage when needed, and promote a culture of quality, safety, and consistency.
RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS
LAB
- Perform all QA/QC laboratory requirements in accordance with Full Sail’s standards of operations.
- Run routine analyses of packaged beer for oxygen, carbon dioxide, fill level, etc.
- Aseptic sample collection, filter, pour, and spread plating, colony and microscopic characterization, and reporting results.
- Use, maintain, and calibrate analytical equipment such as:
- DO Meters
- CO2 Meters
- Beer alcolyzer/Densitometer
- UV/Vis Spectrophotometer
- Turbidity Meter
- pH Meters
- Titratable Acidity Meter
- Quantitative PCR Machine
- Gas chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer
- Assist with waste treatment operations and testing.
- Assist with yeast management and propagation.
- Verify and approve sanitation activities through visual inspection, swabbing, ATP testing, PCR analysis and allergen testing.
- Assist with and participate in sensory program
- Coordinate quality analyses ensuring accurate results, timely completion, and proper responses and notification.
- Lead and complete special projects as assigned.
- Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment as well as accurate recordkeeping.
Conformance to schedule and processes
- To carry out and adhere strictly to the policies and procedures established by Full Sail Brewing Company in the areas of personnel, safety, GMPs and standards of operations.
- Helps administer and maintain an effective safety and housekeeping program, including strict adherence to established sanitation standards and GMP directives.
COMMUNICATION
- Documentation of all laboratory operations. Collect, analyze, review, and report data from laboratory analyses.
- Communicate consistently with brewery personnel and management regarding quality assurance issues.
OTHER
- Stays abreast of new developments, techniques, and equipment related to their area of responsibility.
- Responsible for the efficient utilization of equipment and materials, and for keeping operating costs at a minimum.
- Crosstrain with other departments and assist in their operations when possible.
- Train and validate employees on quality-minded procedures, sanitation practices, and testing.
- Advocate and promote continuous quality and safety improvement.
Qualifications
- Strong working knowledge of chemistry and/or microbiology preferred
- Relevant educational and/or previous work experience preferred
- Experience in brewing, food, fermentation, or beverage manufacturing/packaging environments
- Proven analytical and problem-solving aptitude
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of basic laboratory and production safety practices and procedures
- Self-starter with ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficient in Microsoft applications and comfortable working with computers to input and evaluate data
- Ability to work within a team-oriented environment, multi-task and maintain a sense of urgency.
- Flexible schedule (able to adjust schedule) based on priorities, tasks and pto coverage as needed.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
- Fast paced and constantly changing work environment.
- Subject to extreme temperatures.
- Ability to ascend/descend stairs and ladders throughout shift.
- Ability to stand/move for 10-12 hours per day.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, safety glasses, hair nets and safety toe boots (as required by company policy).
- Ability to work in tight or enclosed spaces.
Schedule:
Saturday - Tuesday 3:00 pm - 1:30 am
What we offer:
- 90% Employer-paid Medical and Dental benefits. Excellent plan offerings.
- 401k with company match.
- Employer paid Accident, Disability and Life Insurance.
- Company Paid Time Off
- Company Paid Holidays- currently 7 annual paid holidays.
- Food discounts in the Full Sail Pub for employees and their guests.
Pay:
- Entry-level technicians start at $20.00 per hour. Starting pay above the base rate may be offered based on qualifications and experience. In addition, technicians earn premium pay for evening, overnight, and weekend hours worked as listed below.
Premium Pay
Employees earn additional premium pay for hours worked during the following times:
- 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.: +10% of base hourly rate
- 1:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.:+15% of base hourly rate
- All hours worked on Saturday and Sunday: +15% of base hourly rate
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $26.18 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Hood River, OR 97031 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Hood River, OR 97031: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
