Quality Lead - Reuben's Brews

About the role

The Brewery Quality Lead will be responsible for ensuring high standards of quality and consistency in the brewing process at Reuben's Brews. Reporting directly to the Head of Production and Quality, this role involves laboratory operations, production quality control, food safety, and sensory evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily microbiological and chemical testing on yeast, wort, and finished beer.
• Track critical metrics such as gravity, VDK (diacetyl), ABV, CO2 & O2 levels, and turbidity.
• Manage, calibrate, and maintain all laboratory instrumentation and inspection equipment.
• Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance.
• Update and manage the brewery's Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program.
• Ensure strict adherence to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) and King County Public Health safety guidelines.
• Audit brewing, cellaring, and packaging lines to verify physical specifications.
• Perform packaging integrity checks, including can seam inspections and dissolved oxygen testing.
• Lead the brewery’s sensory evaluation program and train team members on off-flavor detection.
• Investigate out-of-specification batches and coordinate corrective actions with the cellar team.

Requirements

• Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on experience in a quality control or quality assurance role within a production brewery environment.
• Education: Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Brewing Science, or a related field is highly beneficial.
• Technical Skills: Deep familiarity with laboratory equipment (e.g., spectrophotometers, DO meters, microscopes) and brewery ERP software (such as Ekos).
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 55 lbs, stand for long intervals, and work in hot, cold, or wet production environments.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of Making it Happen – infectious enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.
• Recognition that we are here to delight - for internal and external customers, partners, and the Reuben’s team as a whole.
• A One Team mentality – a team-focused approach to achieving results.
• Absorb the Best Intent – no ego, a focus on team results, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and jump in where needed.
• A Passion for Craft – recognize and live a mentality that the extra effort is worth it.

Skills

• Hands-on experience in a quality control or quality assurance role within a production brewery environment.
• Deep familiarity with laboratory equipment and brewery ERP software.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs, stand for long intervals, and work in various production environments.
• Proven track record of making decisions and solving problems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits

Our team is the heart of Reuben's Brews. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, career development opportunities, and the exciting opportunity to help us craft a wonderful future. Medical and Dental Insurance (for all employees who work 20+ hours per week), Paid Time Off, 401(k) retirement savings plan with 4% company match.