Quality Technologist

About the role

Mission Of The Role: As a Quality Technologist at Downeast, you are the guardian of our liquid. You’ll be on the front lines, ensuring every drop of cider meets our high standards for quality, consistency, and food safety. Our production runs at a breakneck pace, and you provide the essential data and testing—from spec verification to microplating—that keeps us from ever compromising on the product. We’re looking for a detail-oriented "science person" who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty on a production floor. Success in this role means evolving from a learner to a leader; we expect you to master our QA processes within 30 days and start driving lab experiments and process improvements by your 90-day mark.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Excellence: Maintain accurate, detailed, and organized records of all formulations, experiments, and test data.
• Quality Testing: Perform daily testing on all liquid production, including spec verification, product profile checks, and benchtop mixing.
• Microbiology & Sampling: Execute sterile sampling and microplating for raw materials, blends, and finished products to ensure everything is clean and safe.
• Sensory & Shelf Life: Lead sensory evaluations (yes, tasting the cider) and monitor shelf-life testing to ensure it stays fresh from the tank to the glass.
• Operational Support: Perform regular packaging checks and assist with data collection for specialized Quality and Production projects.
• Lab Upkeep: Take full ownership of laboratory equipment maintenance and general upkeep.

Requirements

• You are a technical expert with an obsession for detail.
• You understand that in QA, "close enough" isn't an option.
• You are a proactive communicator who can work across departments to solve problems before they hit the can.
• You’re comfortable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, you’re tech-savvy, and you have the stamina to stay on your feet and move through the cellar and lab with ease.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with basic lab equipment, pH testing, and density measurements.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple testing streams at once.
• Ability to share technical data clearly with non-technical teams.
• A "whatever it takes" attitude and a desire to grow within a high-performance team.

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering (a plus).
• 1+ year of quality experience in a manufacturing setting (a plus for beverage/fermentation).
• Experience with sensory testing and basic statistics.
• A background in microbiology.

Benefits

• 16 PTO days in your first year.
• Paid holidays, sick days, and bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Health & dental insurance from day one.
• Company-provided short-term disability coverage.
• Cider allowance (How big is your fridge?).

Pay

$60,000 - $85,000 (commensurate with experience), 10% yearly bonus.

Schedule

Full-Time (First or Second Shift availability required).