Quality Assurance R&D Co-op

Boston Beer Corporation; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston Beer Company is seeking a motivated Co-op to join our Research & Development Quality Assurance team in Jamaica Plain, MA. This 6‑month full‑time, on-site role supports lab testing, data entry, and GMP compliance while learning fermentation science and brewing quality.

You'll gain hands-on experience with laboratory testing, daily samples, and cross-functional quality initiatives under supervision from the R&D QA Manager and team. This program runs January 4, 2027 through June 25, 2027.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Brewing, or related field.
• Previous co-op experience or coursework involving wet laboratory techniques.
• Must remain enrolled in school after the co-op.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Able to stand for extended periods and work safely in lab/brewery environments.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on in-process and finished beverages (cell counting, fermentation tracking, chemical analysis).
• Collect and analyze daily production samples to ensure quality.
• Support package quality testing for product consistency.
• Maintain laboratory organization and daily readiness.
• Assist with data entry and quality database reporting.
• Participate in GMP audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with brewing and quality teams; communicate results to stakeholders.
• Contribute to special quality projects and initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Laboratory safety mindset

Education

Chemistry

Biology

Food Science

Microbiology

Chemical Engineering

Brewing

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Co-op to join our Research & Development Quality Assurance team, supporting laboratory testing and quality processes for our beverage portfolio.

This 6-month co-op position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in fermentation science and brewing quality within a fast-paced R&D environment. Working alongside experienced quality professionals, the Co-op will contribute to critical quality initiatives while developing practical laboratory and technical skills that support product excellence.

This is a full-time, on-site position 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday through Friday at our Boston Brewery location in Jamaica Plain, MA. This position is a part of our 6 month Co-op Program, running from January 4, 2027 through June 25, 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Perform laboratory testing on in-process and finished beverages, including cell counting, fermentation tracking, and chemical analysis.
• Collect and analyze daily production samples to ensure products meet established quality standards.
• Conduct package quality testing support product consistency and consumer satisfaction.
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and readiness for daily operations.

Quality Systems & Documentation

• Assist with data entry and management within quality databases and reporting systems.
• Support ongoing quality monitoring activities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in monthly GMP audits.

Production & Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate with brewing and quality teams to support daily operations.
• Communicate testing results and findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in special projects and quality-related initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Brewing, or a related field.
• Previous co-op experience or coursework involving wet laboratory techniques and laboratory skills.
• Must continue to be enrolled in school after the completion of their co-op.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Able to be on your feet for extended periods.
• Able to work safely within the laboratory and brewing environments by following SOPs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and safety requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management abilities, and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with beverage, brewing, fermentation, or food manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to quality assurance systems, laboratory databases, and data entry tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on quality laboratory experience in a commercial beverage manufacturing environment.
• Practical exposure to fermentation science, brewing processes, and beverage quality systems.
• Experience performing analytical testing, quality assessments, and laboratory documentation.
• Daily mentorship, training, and technical development from the R&D QA Manager and R&D Quality Technologist II, including regular one-on-one meetings
• Opportunities to shadow other R&D teams and gain exposure to different areas of the business.
• Cross-functional learning experiences through weekly co-op meetings and interactions with departments across the organization.
• Development of technical, analytical, and professional skills that prepare students for careers in quality assurance, food and beverage manufacturing, brewing, and research & development.

The Boston Beer Company may use AI-enabled tools to assist with identifying qualified candidates and streamline recruiting operations. These tools help us improve efficiency and consistency. All hiring decisions are made thoughtfully by recruiters and hiring teams. We regularly evaluate our processes to promote fairness, reduce bias, and comply with applicable laws.

To ensure the integrity of the evaluation, please refrain from using AI-generated enhancements during your phone and virtual interviews. If we discover that you have used such enhancements without authorization or prior disclosure, you may be disqualified from the hiring process. External AI tools may not be used to transcribe or record the interview at any time. This ensures your privacy, and Boston Beer's confidential information are protected.