Production Quality Analyst - Brewery & Cider QA Lab

Job Description

Job Description

Barrel One Collective (Harpoon, Long Trail, Greater Good, Wachusett, Smuttynose & more)
Full-Time | Hourly | Quality / Lab

Love great beer and great data? Help us make sure every pint, can and pour is right.

Barrel One Collective (B1C) is the largest craft beer producer in New England, home to Harpoon, UFO, Long Trail, Otter Creek, Clown Shoes, Smuttynose, Wachusett and Greater Good. From our brewery in Boston's Seaport, we make beer, hard cider and hard seltzer for our own brands and for private-label partners.

We're hiring a Production Quality Analyst to join our brewery quality control lab in Boston. You'll run microbiology, chemistry and sensory analysis, audit production against our SOPs, and help make sure our products match spec, with the records to prove it.

Over time, you'll become the quality lead for our cider program, taking real ownership of a growing category for B1C and our partners. If you're a detail-driven QA/QC lab professional with food science, microbiology or chemistry experience and want to grow in the craft beverage industry, this role is for you.

What You'll Do

Quality control and lab testing

• Monitor production batches for conformance to spec across beer, cider and seltzer
• Run sensory analysis and help lead tasting panels
• Perform microbiological testing, including traditional plating, qPCR and stability testing
• Perform chemical analysis: spectrophotometry, titration and other core beverage chemistry
• Handle day-to-day lab work: cell counts, gravity checks and keeping the lab clean and organized

Process auditing and documentation

• Review and validate production SOPs, and audit the floor against them
• Review batch records and process paperwork for accuracy
• Report variances, lead investigations, and turn improvement ideas into action
• Validate CIP/SIP effectiveness through environmental sampling to prevent product loss
• Lead the annual audit of Boston SOPs

Retain sample program

• Own the retain library from intake to end-of-shelf-life disposal
• Maintain the retain testing schedule, and coordinate with internal teams and third-party partners

Third-party production support

• Apply B1C quality standards to our own brands and private-label products
• Visit co-packing and production partners on site to monitor runs

What You Bring

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 2–3 years in a quality control, QA or food safety lab
• Hands-on aseptic technique and micro testing: sampling, media prep, inoculation and reading results
• Working knowledge of HACCP, SQF and continuous improvement
• Strong Microsoft Office and database skills
• A sharp eye for detail and a collaborative, team-first approach
• 21+ years of age
• Reliable transportation for occasional off-site visits

Nice to have:

• HACCP or SQF certification
• qPCR experience (we'll train you)
• Experience in a brewery, cidery or beverage production environment
• Experience building or running sensory programs

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 40–45 hours per week
• Occasional Sunday lab coverage (such as gravity checks)
• Occasional travel to production partners

Why Barrel One Collective

• Competitive hourly pay (plus overtime) and a full benefits package: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off
• Beer perks
• Real ownership: build and lead the quality program for our cider category
• Work with some of New England's most iconic craft beer brands
• A collaborative, fun team in Boston's Seaport

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Stand and walk for extended periods in the lab and on an active production floor
• Lift and carry up to [50/100] lbs
• Handle lab equipment, glassware and samples
• Distinguish aromas, flavors and colors for sensory evaluation
• Work around cleaning and lab chemicals, wet floors, noise, and hot and cold temperatures
• Wear required PPE
• Handling and tasting alcoholic beverages is part of the job

Ready to apply? If you're a quality analyst, lab technician or QC microbiologist ready to take ownership of a growing program, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

Barrel One Collective is an equal opportunity employer. Great beer is made by people with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to a workplace where everyone is treated with respect. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We're glad to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or pregnancy-related needs. Please contact Human Resources to request one.