Laboratory QA Analyst

Laboratory QA Analyst

The Bruery is a leading Orange County craft brewery known for its innovative, taste-driven beers sold under two distinct brands: The Bruery, specializing in experimental ales and craft lagers, and Offshoot Beer Co., focused on approachable, lifestyle-oriented brews. With more than half of its sales generated directly through its tasting room and membership-based Society programs, the company has built a loyal community and strong recurring revenue streams. Founded from a homebrewing passion and driven by creativity, curiosity, and brewing expertise, The Bruery draws inspiration from culinary traditions, natural ingredients, classic beer styles, and unexpected flavors to create unique beers that spark conversation, complement experiences, and bring people together.

About the Role

The Laboratory QA Analyst combines hands-on, routine quality control testing with the management and development of laboratory best practices. This role is accountable for routine sample collection, analytical analysis, microbial testing, and data tracking for products including wort, finished beer, and raw materials. In addition to executing daily lab functions, the Laboratory Lead manages QA/QC stage gates, maintains lab facilities, and advances the brewery's sensory and culture propagation programs. This position requires a highly self-motivated individual who can balance daily bench work with program leadership to prioritize safety, quality, and production with little to no oversight.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily Testing & Analysis: Perform routine and sterile sample collection of wort, in-process beer, finished beer, and raw materials. Conduct analytical testing for parameters such as bitterness, color, and alcohol.
• Data Management & Quality Gates: Input and accurately record all test results. Analyze data for trends and escalate actionable decision points to Operations management. Manage QA/QC stage gates for product release and hold.
• Micro & Culture Programs: Perform microbial analysis and manage the micro program. Oversee and execute the storage, propagation, and identification of the brewery's culture program.
• Sensory & Shelf Life: Maintain and develop a robust sensory program that supports a proactive QA approach, and provide educational opportunities for staff. Evaluate beer through sensory techniques and manage the shelf-life program per brand.
• SOPs & Safety Compliance: Create, maintain, and continually implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the department. Support company-wide safety initiatives, maintain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) library, and ensure the laboratory environment is strictly compliant with safety policies and best practices.
• Facility & Equipment Care: Perform routine maintenance, care, and calibration of laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Take oversight of lab spaces across all production facilities, ensuring appropriate inventory of supplies, cleanliness, organization, and secure access.
• Cross-Functional Engagement: Engage in internal team building and company development initiatives. Contribute to customer-facing events, staff education, and overall brand building.

Requirements

Essential Requirements

• College degree (B.S.) in Fermentation Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related STEM field.
• 1-3 years of food and beverage quality experience, with brewery experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for beer and the commercial brewing process.
• Proven ability to successfully establish, implement, and audit SOPs and technical record-keeping systems.
• Ability to apply high-level root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills to operational challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, paired with a positive, energetic attitude. Versatility in a changing environment with many day-to-day variables.
• Strong organizational skills with the flexibility to multitask and adjust to shifting production priorities under minimal supervision.

Our Core Values

At The Bruery, our Core Values are:

• We are Relentless in the Pursuit of Results
• We are Candid and Transparent
• We are Masters of our Craft
• We Think and Act Like an Owner
• We Think and Act Like a Team

If those resonate with how you already work, you will fit right in.