Quality Assurance Analyst

The Quality Assurance Analyst is a service provider to the production team to ensure consistent production of craft beverages. Shift times and schedule are set based on departmental and production needs. Overtime may be required. This is an hourly position.

Responsibilities:

This position works in a collaborative environment with all areas of production to support the quality of all Alaskan Brewing craft products through the following duties:

• Performs physical, gravimetric, and quantitative tests (fill height, can seams, oxygen content, pH, diacetyl, color, bitterness, alcohol content, etc.), statistical analysis and results reporting.
• Inspects raw materials (hops, malt, glass, boxes, etc.) to assure QA specifications are met.
• Works with production teams on sanitation and preventive measures to ensure hygienic environments.
• Performs microbiological sampling, employing traditional plating and molecular techniques on yeast, wort, and beer.
• Assists in development, set-up, performance, and analysis of product taste panels.
• Responsible for critical thinking, problem solving and process improvement in QA and other production areas.
• Maintains lab cleanliness, instrument maintenance, and lab supply inventories.
• Educates employees on quality initiatives and processes in various production areas.
• Educates employees on sensory panel process and beer profiles.
• Assists with projects and research as assigned.
• Familiar with lab and sanitation SOP's.
• Promotes a team environment where participation, commitment, initiative, flexibility, and performance are valued and demonstrated.
• Promotes a team environment where participation, commitment, initiative, flexibility, and performance are valued and demonstrated.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to maneuver pallets of beer weighing 2,100 lb using a pallet jack or forklift.
• Ability to stack 40 lb cases and lift kegs weighing up to 170 lbs.
• Ability to repetitively lift heavy objects, such as 60 lb bags of malt or filter agents.
• Ability to drive a forklift and handle heavy objects safely in a team environment.
• Ability to work in cold, wet conditions.

Special Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field required. Experience may be accepted in lieu of educational requirement.
• Laboratory experience: including bench chemistry, aseptic technique, and scientific methodology preferred.
• Ability to comprehend the theory and practice of brewing and fermentation.
• Proven capability working in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Quality Assurance systems (i.e., HACCP), process controls, and compliance measures preferred.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills required.
• Strong working knowledge and experience in microcomputer systems including spreadsheets, databases, word processing and statistical software packages.
• Willingness to learn about Alaskan Brewing craft products.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.