Quality

STRONG SPIRITS INC•Bardstown, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Lab Technician is primarily responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Quality Laboratory through product testing, laboratory maintenance, documentation, and quality verification activities. During periods when laboratory workload allows, this position provides direct support to the Processing Department by serving as an independent quality resource and second set of eyes during critical processing activities. This role partners with Processing Operators to verify blend calculations, proof adjustments, ingredient additions, product transfers, and processing documentation before work is completed. The position helps ensure products meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and Strong Spirits quality expectations while helping prevent costly processing errors.

Requirements

Strong understanding of alcohol processing, blending, proofing, distillation, filtration, and product handling operations.
Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures, quality assurance principles, and quality control practices.
Knowledge of TTB regulations, proofing requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety standards, and documentation controls.
Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including proof and blend calculations.
Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and product quality.
Ability to identify discrepancies and potential quality issues before they impact production or customers.
Ability to independently verify calculations, documentation, ingredient additions, and processing activities.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively with Processing and Quality teams.
Proficient in documentation review, recordkeeping, and quality verification processes.
Ability to prioritize laboratory responsibilities while providing processing support as operational needs allow.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to work three consecutive twelve-hour shifts (Monday-Wednesday or Friday-Sunday) with some overtime.
Frequent standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting throughout the shift.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, records, and documentation for quality and accuracy.
Ability to work around alcohol and other flammable liquids.
Ability to work independently during off-shift operations while maintaining communication with Quality and Processing Management.
Willingness to assist the Processing Department when laboratory responsibilities have been completed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical training in Quality, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Distillation, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
Minimum two (2) years of experience in quality assurance, laboratory operations, alcohol processing, food manufacturing, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
Experience performing laboratory testing, proof calculations, blend calculations, documentation review, and quality verification preferred.
Working knowledge of TTB regulations, GMPs, HACCP, and food safety requirements preferred.
Previous experience training employees or serving as a technical resource is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform all routine laboratory testing including proof, pH, sensory evaluation, water testing, and product verification.
Perform daily laboratory equipment calibration and verification.
Perform distillations to verify true proof according to TTB regulations.
Maintain laboratory records and quality documentation.
Collect, label, organize, and retain production samples.
Verify bottling and processing documentation for accuracy.
Perform quality inspections and audits throughout the facility.
Support GMP, HACCP, allergen, and food safety programs.
Assist with customer audits and regulatory inspections.
Maintain laboratory inventory and supplies.
Assist with SOP development and updates.
Support investigations involving customer complaints, deviations, and nonconforming products.
Serve as an independent quality verifier during critical processing activities.
Review blend sheets, formulas, proof calculations, and batch records.
Verify ingredient additions before processing is completed.
Confirm lot numbers, raw materials, and customer specifications.
Verify product transfers and processing documentation.
Perform independent quality checks before the product advances to the next production stage.
Assist with troubleshooting processing issues.
Support Processing Operators while maintaining an independent quality perspective.
Assist with product sampling during processing operations.
Communicate quality concerns to Quality and Processing Management.
Independently verify blend calculations.
Independently verify proof calculations.
Independently verify ingredient additions.
Independently verify product adjustments.
Independently verify tank assignments.
Independently verify raw material verification.
Independently verify batch documentation.
Independently verify product transfers.
Independently verify client specifications.
Independently verify required quality documentation.
Stop processing activities when product quality, food safety, documentation accuracy, or customer specifications are in question.
Recommend product hold, rework, or additional review.
Escalate quality concerns to Quality or Processing Management.