Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Technician

Founded in 1988 in Bend Oregon Deschutes Brewery has been pushing the craft beer movement forward for more than three decades. Today were proud to be the 6th largest independent craft brewery in the United States with a reputation built on innovation quality and a whole lot of passion for producing a great product. Deschutes continues to grow with a footprint in all 50 states one of the fastest growing non-alcoholic portfolios in the country. Weve also partnered with brands including Patagonia Provisions Boneyard Beer and PartyBomb a new-to-world flavored malt beverage. From hop-forward classics to creative seasonal releases award winning non-alcoholic beers to flavor forward malt beverages were driven by one simple goal: brew damn tasty beverages that bring people together. If youre looking to do meaningful work with people who care deeply about their craft -and know how to have fun along the way- Deschutes Brewery is a place where you can grow and make an impact.

We are currently recruiting for a Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Technician to join our team! The anticipated schedule for this role will be three12 hour shifts: Friday through Sunday 6:00pm 6:30am. The QA Lab Technician is responsible for conducting lab operations to support brewing packaging and warehouse production of our damn tasty beer.

Compensation is based on previous experience and starts at $21.68 per hour depending on previous experience skills and education/certifications. This position offers a career path up to $32.81/hour for our employees who successfully complete our internal training program to become a Quality Assurance Analyst along with several years of experience working with us. Additionally we offer a $3.00 per hour shift differential for any hours worked between 6pm and 6am and additional opportunities for wage increases are also associated with cross-training specialty certifications/licenses and promotional opportunities.

What Youll be Doing:As a member of the Deschutes Brewery Quality team you will learn multiple skills from well qualified co-owners and be able to apply that knowledge to your problem-solving teams troubleshooting efforts and daily work. You will be working in a fast-paced team environment where you will be working with minimal supervision and operating under GMP and Food Safety rules. Training provided!

Your daily work may include but is not limited to:

• Operate lab equipment: Beer analyzer gas chromatograph spectrometer and Package Analyzer.
• Conduct packaging line quality control checks including container integrity checks beer quality checks and packaging line audits; work with packaging operators to take corrective actions as needed.
• Operate packaging inspection equipment on the packaging lines.
• Operate calibrate and maintain portable quality control equipment.
• Beer analysis to determine alcohol content total package oxygen International Bittering Units measurements wort color etc.
• Perform microbiology tasks such as media preparation sample plating equipment sterilization etc.
• Maintain and manage sensory samples and sensory library.
• Communicate and report product nonconformities.
• Support production schedule timeline with timely tank releases to packaging and start up checks for each production line.
• General housekeeping in all areas the Quality team is responsible for.
• Support Deschutes Brewery strategic initiatives and goals.
• Additional job duties will change as needed to cover Quality Team operations and all internal and external customer needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

What Youll need for this Position:

• Four-year college degree in Fermentation/Food Science or related disciplines OR at least 3 years of related manufacturing and/or lab experience OR a combination of education experience and training that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities to meet the position requirements.
• Success working in a team environment working with diverse personality and communication styles.
• Ability to work independently and effective time management skills.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Packaging / Brewing.
• Experience in a team-based production environment.
• General lab experience preferably either with analytical and/or microbiological focus.
• Computer proficiency with Excel Word and Outlook.

Just some of the awesome perks of working for Deschutes Brewery:

• Awesome co-workers!
• Medical dental and vision insurance active after 30 days.
• 401k Match of 4% vested immediately!
• 2 weeks paid vacation 1 week sick leave and paid holidays. On Demand Pay (get your money when you need it) available through DailyPay.
• Employee stock ownership - be a part owner of Deschutes Brewery!
• Pro deals with local companies.
• Keg discounts.
• Free beer for those 21!

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply even if you dont believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position or how this would be determined please feel free to contact to discuss your application.

Required Experience:

IC