Sensory Production Co-op

Boston Beer Co.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Beer Company is seeking a motivated Co-op for our Production Sensory team at the Cincinnati Brewery. The 6-month program runs January 4, 2027 through June 25, 2027 and is onsite five days a week in Cincinnati.

You will gain hands-on experience in sensory evaluation, data analysis, quality assurance, and continuous improvement while collaborating with Quality, Brewing, Packaging, Innovation and Operations.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor's degree in a science discipline with anticipated completion.
• Must be enrolled in school during the co-op.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Strong scientific foundation and analytical mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to collaborate across teams.
• Interest in sensory science, data analysis, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Support sensory panel execution, including sample preparation and panel management.
• Analyze sensory results and trends to support quality objectives.
• Assist with data analysis, dashboard development, and reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects and SOP development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to connect sensory science with operations.
• Lead an independent project from planning to recommendations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

We're looking for a motivated and curious Co-op to join our Production Sensory team, supporting sensory evaluation programs that help ensure product quality and consistency across our portfolio. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sensory science, data analysis, quality assurance, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Working closely with Sensory, Quality, Brewing, Packaging, Innovation, and Operations teams, you'll help generate insights that inform quality decisions, product evaluations, and business strategies while developing both technical and professional skills.

This position is part of our 6-month Co-op Program, running from January 4, 2027, through June 25, 2027. The role is fully onsite at our Cincinnati Brewery location,with team members expected to workfivedays per week from ourCincinnati Brewery.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience applying sensory science within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Mentorship and coaching from the Sensory Assistant Manager and Production Sensory team, along with exposure to Quality, Brewing, Packaging, Operations, Innovation, and cross-site Sensory teams.
• Experience with sensory panel execution, descriptive analysis, lexicon development, sample preparation, panel management, and sensory data interpretation.
• Opportunities to analyze sensory data, identify trends, support dashboard development, perform statistical analyses, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• A deeper understanding of how sensory evaluation supports quality assurance, product release decisions, investigations, and risk management.
• Participation in process optimization projects, SOP development, program enhancements, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading an independent project from planning and execution through analysis and recommendation development.
• Opportunities to present results, prepare reports, and participate in business discussions with cross-functional teams.
• Participation in the Sensory Production Co-op Learning Series, providing exposure to connected functions such as R&D Sensory, Product Development, Corporate Quality Assurance, and other areas of interest through shadowing opportunities.
• Broad exposure to how sensory science influences product quality, consumer experience, operational decision-making, and continuous improvement efforts, while building a strong foundation for future careers in sensory science, quality assurance, food science, product development, or manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

Sensory Program Support

• Support sensory panel execution, including sample preparation, panel management, descriptive analysis, and lexicon development.
• Assist with sensory evaluations and ensure testing is conducted according to established procedures.
• Contribute to sensory program administration and continuous improvement activities.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sensory results and evaluate trends to support quality and business objectives.
• Support dashboard development, statistical analyses, and data visualization efforts.
• Prepare reports and communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders across the organization.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Learn how sensory evaluation supports quality assurance, product release decisions, investigations, and risk management activities.
• Participate in process optimization projects, SOP development, program enhancements, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support efforts to strengthen sensory methodologies and best practices across the brewery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work directly with Manufacturing, Quality, Brewing, Packaging, Innovation, and Operations teams to support business needs and decision-making.
• Participate in team meetings, project discussions, and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
• Contribute to projects that connect sensory science with operational and product quality outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Must continue to be enrolled in school upon completion of the co-op.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Strong scientific foundation and analytical mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Interest in sensory science, quality systems, data analysis, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Academic coursework or experience in science-related disciplines.
• Experience with data analysis, statistics, or research projects is a plus.
• Interest in food and beverage manufacturing, consumer science, or quality assurance.

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.