QA Technician

Central City Brewers + Distillers; Surrey; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading craft brewery in Surrey is seeking a Quality Assurance Technician to maintain quality assurance programs. Responsibilities include testing raw materials, in-process, and packaged products to ensure quality standards are met. Ideal candidates will have laboratory experience and a degree in a related field. Join a dynamic team committed to producing award-winning craft beer and spirits.

Benefits

Competitive wage

Extended health and dental coverage

Monthly beer allotment

Discounts on food

On-site parking

Excellent work environment

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience required.
• Experience in QC/QA roles preferred.
• Understanding of brewing processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing for incoming raw materials and packaged products.
• Conduct microbiological testing and sensory evaluations.
• Maintain communication with brewing and packaging teams.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Food Science

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Microbiology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Central City Brewers and Distillers

is a craft brewery in the business of developing and selling international award-winning premium craft beer and high-quality distilled spirits brewed without compromise. Based in Surrey, British Columbia, CCBD was voted Canada Best Brewery of the Year in 2010 and 2012. Its Red Racer brand has become a cult icon among craft beer enthusiasts throughout North America. Founded in 2003 as a brewpub and liquor store in downtown Surrey, CCBD celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013 with the grand opening of a new, 68,000 sq. ft. brewery and distillery on Bridgeview Drive. In 2019, a 40,000 sq. ft. storage facility was opened, housing approximately 2000 barrels of whiskey aging. We are proud of being a local-Canadian Brewery currently expanding, with a new canning line installed in 2021 for contract manufacturing.

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the quality assurance program within the facility. This includes microbiology testing, analytical chemistry testing, and packaged product testing. The primary goal is to ensure the quality and consistency of our products.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

1. Perform testing for incoming raw materials, in-process, and packaged products.
2. Test in-process and finished products to ensure they meet chemical/physical specifications, including alcohol content, pH, total acidity, bitterness, colour, sorbic acid, VDK, etc.
3. Test products during packaging to ensure packaging specifications are met, including CO2, DO/TPO, pasteurization, can seams, and packaging integrity.
4. Conduct microbiological testing of in-process and finished products, including aseptic sampling, traditional microbiology, and PCR methods.
5. Perform sensory evaluations through daily taste panels to assess flavor profiles and detect deviations from standards.
6. Maintain open communication with brewing, packaging, and maintenance teams to ensure product quality standards.
7. Keep all Quality Labs organized and clean.
8. Participate in product and process improvement initiatives.
9. Work collaboratively to meet production, quality, and safety goals.
10. Engage in project work as needed.
11. Participate in CCBD’s Food Safety Program to ensure product integrity and safety.

Qualifications/Desired Attributes

1. Laboratory experience is required.
2. Experience in QC/QA roles within brewing or beverage production is preferred.
3. Understanding of brewing and fermentation processes is a plus.
4. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation used in beverage analysis.
5. Sensory training and off-flavor detection experience are advantageous.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
7. Detail-oriented with accurate record-keeping skills.
8. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
9. Ability to work effectively with all levels of brewery personnel.
10. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
11. Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving skills.
12. Ability to navigate ambiguous and entrepreneurial environments.

Education Requirements

A degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, engineering, brewing, or a related field is preferred.

Working Conditions

1. Frequent bending and long periods of standing or walking.
2. Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and responding to incidents/emergencies.
3. Manual lifting/moving of materials weighing up to 25kg.

What You Receive

• Competitive wage
• Extended health and dental coverage
• Monthly beer allotment
• Discounts on food
• On-site parking
• Excellent work environment