QA Lab Technician I

Athletic Brewing Company • San Diego, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Athletic Brewing Company’s Quality team is committed to the highest standards of quality and innovation both inside and outside our walls. Quality is required and is reflected in everything we do: from lab testing and documentation, to interpretation and communication. Integrity is required through accurate and timely data collection, clear communication of out-of-spec results, adherence to GMPs and SOPs, and maintaining confidentiality of company processes. Collaboration and inclusion are necessary as this role partners with teams across brewing, packaging, food safety, and other departments through sensory evaluations, shared observations, and communication of lab results. We share knowledge, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and productively organized environment where all team members can directly contribute to achieving our shared goals.

Requirements

• BS in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science or equivalent degree preferred
• Minimum 1 year work experience/internship in brewery/food production
• QA Cellar/Brewhouse work experience also preferred
• Basic microbiological lab proficiency (media production, plating, interpreting results, aseptic technique)
• Working knowledge of basic lab equipment (pipettes, microscope,...)

Nice To Haves

• Personal curiosity in improving systems
• Desire to have a positive impact on customers
• Skilled listener, great verbal and written communication
• Passion, Integrity, Honesty, Dependability, Attention to detail
• Independent operator - disciplined and self-driven
• Ability to execute multiple projects
• Team-oriented and results driven with a commitment to quality
• Experience with Excel/ Google sheet

Responsibilities

• Performs daily analysis- cell counts, cell viability, ABV, gravity, pH.
• Inputs lab data into the appropriate Smartsheet in a timely and accurate manner.
• Analyze and record TPO/DO/CO2 and fill level semi-hourly.
• Communicate out of spec deviations to supervisor, Packaging Operators & Leadership.
• Accurately perform color analysis to ensure consistent SRM values and trends.
• Perform daily validation checks on Alcolyzer.
• Ensures daily calibration and upkeep of all pH meters by using the standard buffers and cleaning solution.
• Performs weekly deep cleaning, preventative maintenance and calibration of the CBoxQC, TPO Tower and Alcolyzer.
• Media is prepared and forecasted weekly for micro needs.
• Help the sensory team facilitate daily Sensory panels with all departments, including Draughtlab Pro.
• Organize and manage the cold and ambient beer libraries.
• Two 6 packs from every production run are properly labeled and stored.
• Old inventory is disposed of after 13 months.
• Writes and sends out the Lab EOS on a daily basis if required
• Maintains overall cleanliness, upkeep and organization of the entire lab and follows personnel GMP's.
• Maintains a professional, positive, productive, solution driven, can-do attitude.
• Consistently professional, positive, productive, and solution driven.
• Pro-actively looks for new projects and opportunities to improve internal and external departmental processes.
• Displays qualities of a team player and leadership.
• Always operates with positive intent, is trustworthy, and understanding to others.
• Performs package integrity testing.
• Able to consistently perform micro plating and reporting.
• Ability to operate a NIBEM
• Ability to review and complete process deviation
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

• Company-paid health, vision, dental, life, 401k with 5% company match, and Paid Parental Leave
• In addition to Paid Time Off, all team members receive one paid day per month to dedicate to volunteering activities.
• We value internal mobility and team equity.
• We are an equal opportunity employer – we thrive when we champion diversity and inclusion.
• We are welcoming, respectful, and supportive at work and in our community.
• We encourage and welcome members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level