At Russian River Brewing Company, quality is at the core of everything we do. Founded by Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, we produce world-renowned beers from our Santa Rosa and Windsor locations. We foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on quality and continuous improvement and doing things the right way.
What You Will Do
- Lead, manage, train, and work alongside the lab team, ensuring a strong commitment to quality standards
- Collect and analyze samples throughout the brewing and packaging processes
- Design and perform targeted lab analyses to support operational decision making
- Partner closely with Brewing, Packaging, and Production teams to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and drive corrective actions
- Maintain product quality through adherence to good manufacturing practices, specifications, and quality procedures
- Develop and maintain laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Manage yeast and microorganism programs across both breweries, including future yeast propagation
- Oversee the sensory program using DraughtLab software
- Record, analyze, and report lab results to key stakeholders
- Monitor dissolved oxygen (DO) and total package oxygen (TPO) and communicate results to the packaging team
- Operate, maintain, and train others on laboratory equipment and systems
- Coordinate with internal or external technical support when needed
- Support continuous improvement efforts and participate in industry learning opportunities
Qualifications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to lead, coach, and develop team members
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills
- High level of organization and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Positive, flexible, and team-oriented mindset
- Demonstrated commitment to high quality standards
- Passion for science, quality, and beer
- Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; Smartsheet experience is a plus
- Professional demeanor
- Must be at least 21 years of age
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a laboratory management or lead laboratory technician role, preferably in the craft beer industry
- Minimum of 2 years of people management experience
- Experience with quality control and quality assurance programs
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety standards and chemical handling
- Experience with microbiological testing and analytical methods in a production environment
Work Environment
- This role operates in a brewery laboratory environment and includes:
- Working with laboratory equipment and testing procedures
- Handling chemicals and biological materials using proper safety protocols
- A mix of sitting and standing throughout the day
- Occasional lifting and physical tasks
- Collaboration across production, packaging, and brewery operations
Additional Information
- This position includes direct supervisory responsibilities
- Schedule flexibility is required, including occasional evenings and weekends
- All employees are expected to follow safety protocols, wear appropriate PPE, and adhere to company policies