Quality Control Specialist

Description

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 on a simple idea from our founder, Jeff O’Neill: great wines should be enjoyed by all. We believe those wines must be of exceptional quality, centered around our core belief that doing the right thing for our employees, consumers, partners, and the planet is key to a sustainable future. As our family-owned business has grown, so has our belief in business as a force for good.

We are proud to be an industry leader in sustainability and a Certified B Corporation.

We are one of California’s largest wineries, with operations in Larkspur, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Parlier, CA. Our award-winning portfolio of consumer brands includes Line 39, Fit Vine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Robert Hall, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate, Substance, ViNO, 209 Gin, and Brandy Lab.

As part of the Quality Control team, the Quality Control Specialist ensures product quality and safety throughout the production process. This role involves conducting quality tests, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with HACCP, BRC, and GFSI standards. The Specialist will monitor production, manage product changeovers, and support sanitation standards while using analytical equipment and data analysis tools.

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Collect product samples following established sampling plans and protocols
• Conduct quality control tests for bottling lines, including torque testing, fill height checks, dissolved oxygen (DO) and CO2 levels, calibrations, particle tests, and alcohol content analysis, ensuring adherence to pass/fail standards.
• Verify product quality and integrity during production runs by inspecting filling lines, packaging, labels, dry goods, code dates, and weights, while maintaining detailed records.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of all quality control analytical equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability
• Monitor and manage inventory levels of QC supplies to ensure continuous operation
• Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Apply a strong understanding of Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
• Maintain a strong understanding of BRC (or equivalent GFSI standards) to ensure alignment with food safety and quality standards.
• Escalate quality concerns to management promptly and collaborate cross-functionally to address issues effectively
• Support product changeovers and ensure adherence to CIP (Clean-In-Place) and sanitation standards, including tank gauging and accurate record-keeping
• Accurately document and enter test data into computer databases, ensuring the integrity of data records
• Make accept/reject decisions based on quality control test results and established criteria
• Prepare and maintain detailed, accurate records of test results and retain product samples as required
• Represent the quality control department in product-related meetings and discussions
• Coordinate special tests and projects as assigned
• Assist in creating, updating, and maintaining departmental SOPs to improve processes and ensure consistency
• Provide support to personnel on product-related testing and quality initiatives
• Communicate effectively with other departments on special projects, testing activities, and reporting requirements
• Apply LEAN principles to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in quality control processes

To fulfill this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Working knowledge of statistical analysis of data, laboratory instrumentation and…