Quality Assurance & Health Safety Technician

Position Summary

The Quality Technician performs in-process and finished-product quality checks on the beverage production floor (canning/bottling) to ensure products meet fill, seam, carbonation, sensory, and regulatory requirements. This role conducts inspections, testing, and documentation across assigned shifts, flags non-conforming product, and supports the Beverage Quality Manager in maintaining the site's quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Inspection & Testing

· Perform routine in-process quality checks: fill volume checks, seam/seal integrity checks, closure torque checks, and visual/label inspections per SOPs

· Conduct lab testing as assigned (pH, Brix, carbonation/CO2 levels, microbiological sampling, sensory evaluation)

· Verify product, labeling, and packaging meet beverage specifications before release

· Record and report test results accurately and in a timely manner

· Support shelf-life and stability sample pulls and tracking

· Complete pre-production tank checks and verify production materials (can ends, cans, CO2, and nitrogen) before each run begins

· Perform CCP monitoring checks every two hours during pasteurization, including probe setup and data capture

· Perform ABV checks every 30 minutes for alcoholic products

· Collect retain samples and beginning/middle/end analytical samples (Brix, pH, CO2, O2) across each production run

· Complete micro plating/testing on finished products

· Collect and test scheduled environmental monitoring samples

· Perform allergen/gluten swabs when customer label claims require them

· Verify date and lot codes for legibility and accuracy, and reconcile net contents and coding before packout.

Non-Conforming Product & Documentation

· Identify and flag non-conforming product (underfills, seam defects, off-spec carbonation, etc.); place holds per established procedures

· Complete required quality documentation, check sheets, and batch/lot records

· Notify Beverage Quality Manager or shift supervisor immediately of significant quality deviations

· Maintain organized, audit-ready quality records

· Complete Velcorin verifications and paperwork every 30 minutes when Velcorin is in use

· Disposition held product for timely release or rejection

· Complete and transfer TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) records and information as required for alcoholic products

Equipment & Calibration

· Perform routine calibration checks on beverage-specific quality testing equipment (seam analyzers, carbonation testers, torque testers, pH/Brix meters, scales)

· Report equipment malfunctions or out-of-calibration conditions promptly

· Maintain cleanliness and proper storage of lab and testing equipment

· Calibrate pH meters on schedule (twice weekly)

· Complete weekly Anton Paar maintenance, including cleaning with GNS and DI water and water and air checks

Compliance & Safety

· Follow SQF, GMP, food safety, and sanitation procedures at all times, including CIP and allergen control where applicable

· Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and floor-level information as requested

· Follow all safety policies, PPE requirements, and LOTO procedures

· Participate in required quality and safety training

Cross-Functional Support

· Communicate quality issues clearly to Production staff and supervisors, particularly on filler, seamer, and capper performance · Support root-cause investigations by providing accurate data and observations on fill/seam/carbonation trends

· Assist with new beverage formulation trials, SKU/format changeovers, and quality validations as needed

· Prepare and submit third-party and customer samples on time

· Test and report new-client bench samples on time

· Provide scheduled second-shift relief operator coverage for Robopac, filler, and GPI equipment

· Maintain reliable attendance and coverage for all assigned shifts

Sanitation & Hygiene

· Verify daily CIP paperwork for chemical concentration, temperature, and contact time, and confirm ATP swab results

· Complete scheduled potable and process water testing (every six months) and confirm results fall within microbial and chemical limits

Qualifications Required:

· High school diploma or equivalent

· 1 years of experience in a quality, lab, or beverage/food manufacturing environment

· Basic understanding of GMP and food safety practices

· Ability to read and follow detailed SOPs and specifications

· Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping

· Basic computer skills for data entry and documentation

Preferred:

· Experience in canning/bottling or beverage CPG manufacturing specifically

· Hands-on experience with seam, fill, or carbonation testing equipment

· Associate's degree or coursework in food science, chemistry, or related field

· HACCP awareness training

· PCQI Certification

· SQF practitioner Physical Requirements

· Full shift spent primarily on the production floor and in the quality lab (standing, walking)

· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally

· Comfortable in a fast-paced, noisy production environment with temperature, humidity, and wet conditions typical of beverage production

· Flexibility for shift coverage, including occasional off-shift or weekend support

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Brewing: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Clifton Park, NY 12065 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Clifton Park, NY 12065: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25