Reports to: Head Brewer/CPO

Location: 1128 N 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233

The brewing industry’s most innovative concept brewery is in search of a Quality Assurance Manager to run Pilot Project’s lab and QA process. This role is responsible for testing and validating all aspects of the brewing, blending, and packaging of beer and alternative beverage quality at Pilot Project MKE. This employee will manage all batch tracking and quality documentation of Pilot Project and partner brand products throughout the process as well as build a robust sensory program. Yeast management and propagation will be a critical part of this role with a very diverse product mix. The Quality Assurance Manager must be a hard-working, responsible, and self-motivated individual with the ability to implement sound methods to assure high quality production in all areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform analyses, tests and inspections needed to monitor product and packaging quality (plating, cell counts, etc)

• Organize all yeast ordering, monitoring, propagation, collection, pitching, and tracking

• Organize testing of all beer at all stages for micro, IBU, ABV, SRM, free amino tests, turbidity, forced wort tests, iodine tests, brewhouse wort testing, O2, carbonation testing (brite and keg)

• Organize facility testing; chlorine and chloramine levels, environmental CO2 level checks, metal testing in brewing and facility water

• Organize regular ingredient testing; congress mash analysis of all new lots of malt, crush analysis from mill, Alpha Acid content of hops

• Set up and run regular sensory panels, conduct regular all-staff (Production and Tap Room) training for off-flavor detection, identification of staff “supertasters” for Quality Assurance (QA) sensory panels

• Establish QA sensory panels, compile and analyze data, report all data with the purpose of identifying any QA issues with all batches of beer and communicating findings accordingly

• Establish quarantine procedures for batches of beer prior to release

• Maintain lab inventory, analyze costs for inventory, research new potential lab supply sources

• Maintain all lab equipment routine and preventive maintenance to assure proper functionality

• Coordinate and perform regular audits of lab protocols for compliance and efficiency

• Assist in development of HACCP plans for the entire facility

Requirements:

• Three years’ work experience in a commercial brewery or yeast lab performing QA measures.

• Advanced understanding of all aspects of fermentation, yeast handling, and sanitization.

• Strong organizational habits, ability to multitask, a self-motivated work ethic, and good critical thinking/problem solving skills

• Computer literate with an understanding of Microsoft Office and Google programs

• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of quality management, total quality concepts, statistical analysis and process control required

• Undergraduate degree in Sciences, preferably Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Brewing Science

• Experience with batching, blending and fermentation

• Experience managing analytical and microbiology laboratories

EXTRAS:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision following 90 days of employment [Full-Time Offers Only]

• 401(k) following 1 year of employment

• PTO Package

• Employee discounts on food, drink and gear

• Employee only events

• Competitive wages

• Awesome working environment where initiative and ownership is rewarded

• Industry education allowances

Any combination of experience, education, and/or training that can be considered equivalent to the requirements of the position will be reviewed to assess candidacy.