Packaging Quality Technician - 1st Shift

Position Overview:

A Quality Assurance Technician for Two Roads Brewing Company is responsible for tasks in the daily operation of the QA laboratory that include sampling, testing, and reporting data to inform decision to optimize QA parameters. This position will be a subject matter expert in packaging but will cross train in the other elements of QA. Working hours will generally fall between 6am-2:30pm Monday through Friday with additional hours required on weekends during peak production months.

Working Relationships: 

The position reports directly to the QA Manager, or in their absence the Director of QA, and collaborates mainly  with the Packaging department, but also with other areas of QA, Brewing, and Logistics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Execute Package QA/QC Testing Procedures including Total Package Oxygen (TPO), Fill level verification, and Double Seam Integrity.
• Perform daily verifications on Package action items including dry goods, cleaning checklists, and Bright Beer release
• Record data accurately and promptly
• Communicate anomalous results in a timely manner to manager or QA Director
• Assist in trouble-shooting activities associated with packaging production
• Assist in shared QA/QC lab duties, including but not limited to:
  • Analytical measurements on green and bright beer (gravity/density, alcohol, pH)
  • Calibration & maintenance of packaging-related analytical instruments
  • Participation in Sensory training and panels
• Maintaining a clean laboratory working environment
• Ensure that all production data is logged in the appropriate place(s)
• Help develop and edit SOPs related to job tasks
• Maintain inventory on items used for daily tasks, and report when restock is necessary
• Contributes data to Supervisor for the creation of reports on QA packaging parameters
• Meets consistently with supervisor and/or QA Manager to provide and receive feedback for continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to a safe workplace by being a good steward of safety and GBPs
• Other QA related training and duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or other Social Science degree with related experience working and/or equivalent experience in a factory production setting
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and ability to pivot on projects with the input of new information
• Excellent written and verbal skills.  Advanced Excel skills or other LIMS software preferred
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines based on a fast-paced production facility’s needs
• Must be available for overtime and weekend work on a rotating schedule to cover testing and result-reporting needs
• Takes ownership and initiative; has proactive mentality and approach
• Attitude: Positive, team-oriented, and results-driven with a good sense of humor.

MACHINERY, TOOLS, EQUIPTMENET, AND PPE

• Microsoft Office Suite of programs, specifically Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word; Ignition software; MadgeTech data logger software 
• Hach Orbisphere and/or Anton-Paar impact sampling device + CBox 
• CMC Khunke seam software program along with seam cutter, countersink, seam thickness and imaging tools; seam micrometer 
• Rotec test keg and associated software
• Basic laboratory equipment such as graduated cylinders, pipettors, sampling flasks, autoclave, sterile sampling tools, handheld density meters, etc. 
• General office equipment such as phones, laptops with docking stations or CPUs, tablets, copier/scanner/printers and other equipment such as coolers, refrigerators, etc. 
• Brewing and cellar equipment such as triclamps, gaskets, hoses, DIN wrenches/covers/fittings, Perlick valves, ODGM, etc. 

PPE REQUIRED FOR JOB TASKS

• Safety glasses (Z-87 rated)
• Safety-toe, slip-resistant shoes or boots
• Chemical/heat resistant gloves if necessary

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Exposure to Weather, such as extreme cold or heat: Occasionally - While outside traveling to and from retains room or A2, or while in a refrigerated warehouse or boiler room for short periods of time, or on the production floor during seasonal weather.
2. Wet and/or Humid: Regularly- Maneuvering throughout the facility which is regularly wet and slippery.
3. Exposure to Concerning Air Quality: There is a potential for exposure during travel through the facility, as the use of brewing, packaging and cleaning products and chemicals may be in use at any time. These hazards include airborne grain dust, hop dust, pungent chemicals.
4. Noise-Intensity: Loud/Regular. When the mill is in operation, centrifuge, or packaging fillers are running or dry hopping is happening.
5. Exposure to Heights: Occasionally, if visiting malt room, mezzanine or catwalk, or if you need to use a step stool or 6’ ladder to reach stored items.
6. Proximity to Moving Parts/Equipment: Regularly. Electric tote lift, electric pallet jack, fork lifts are driven in multiple locations in the facility, as well as maneuvering throughout facility where packaging lines have conveyors and many moving parts.
7. Exposure to Electric Shock: Low potential, but it could be a hazard
8. Workplace Safety Hazards: You may often come into contact with physical obstacles such as tripping hazards, blind corners with moving people or machines, or the use of pneumatic, hydraulic or electric potential and kinetic energy sources, as well as chemical hazards
9. Exposure to Toxic or Caustic Cleaners: Possible, but only when proximal to places where they’re dispensed or in use, such as bulk storage areas for caustic and acid cleaners, bleach, peracetic acid sanitizer, enzyfoam; or during a CIP on machinery that uses these chemical cleaners.