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Brewery Lab Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Prior manufacturing, forklift, lab, or scale, experience is a plus.Those who work through the season can earn an End of Harvest Bonus!Who We Are: You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your ...

Bandon - Seasonal Worker

Bandon, OR · On-site

$18.70 - $20.15/hr

Prior manufacturing, forklift, lab, or scale, experience is a plus. Those who work through the season can earn an End of Harvest Bonus! Who We Are: You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your ...

Prior manufacturing, forklift, lab, or scale, experience is a plus. Those who work through the season can earn an End of Harvest Bonus! Who We Are: You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your ...

Brewery Lab information

What is a brewery lab?

A brewery lab is a specialized facility within a brewery where scientific testing and quality control are performed on beer and its ingredients. The main purpose of a brewery lab is to ensure the consistency, safety, and quality of beer throughout the brewing process. Lab technicians use various analytical methods to monitor aspects such as yeast health, alcohol content, pH levels, and microbial contamination. This helps breweries maintain product standards and comply with food safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a brewery lab technician?

To thrive as a Brewery Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of microbiology, chemistry, and quality control procedures, often supported by a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments, and brewing software such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with brewing teams. These skills are critical for maintaining product quality, meeting safety standards, and supporting the overall brewing process.

What are some common challenges faced in a brewery lab role and how can they be addressed?

In a brewery lab, professionals often face challenges such as maintaining strict quality control standards, troubleshooting unexpected variations in batches, and keeping up with fast-paced production schedules. Effective communication with brewing and packaging teams is crucial to quickly identify and resolve potential quality issues. Staying organized with meticulous record-keeping and regularly calibrating lab equipment can help address these challenges. Proactively participating in team meetings and continuous training also supports a collaborative and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Brewery Lab vs Brewery Technician?

AspectBrewery LabBrewery Technician
CredentialsOften requires a degree in microbiology, chemistry, or brewing scienceTypically requires technical training or certification in brewing or equipment operation
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, focused on testing and quality controlBrewing facility, involved in production and equipment maintenance
Industry UsageUsed in quality assurance, research, and development departmentsInvolved in daily brewing operations and equipment handling

The main difference between a Brewery Lab and a Brewery Technician is that the Brewery Lab primarily focuses on testing, quality control, and research within a laboratory environment, often requiring specialized degrees. In contrast, a Brewery Technician works directly on brewing production, handling equipment, and maintaining brewing processes in the brewery facility.

Infographic showing various Brewery Lab job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Technician

Deschutes Brewery

Bend, OR • On-site

$32.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1988 in Bend, Oregon, Deschutes Brewery has been pushing the craft beer movement forward for more than three decades. Today, we're proud to be the 6th largest independent craft brewery in the United States, with a reputation built on innovation, quality, and a whole lot of passion for producing a great product. Deschutes continues to grow, with a footprint in all 50 states one of the fastest growing non-alcoholic portfolio's in the country. We've also partnered with brands including Patagonia Provisions, Boneyard Beer and PartyBomb, a new-to-world flavored malt beverage. From hop-forward classics to creative seasonal releases, award winning non-alcoholic beers to flavor forward malt beverages, we're driven by one simple goal: brew damn tasty beverages that bring people together. If you're looking to do meaningful work with people who care deeply about their craft -and know how to have fun along the way- Deschutes Brewery is a place where you can grow and make an impact.

We are currently recruiting for a Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Technician to join our team! The anticipated schedule for this role will be three,12 hour shifts: Friday through Sunday 6:00pm – 6:30am. Schedule may vary or change based on business need. The QA Lab Technician is responsible for conducting lab operations to support brewing, packaging, and warehouse production of our damn tasty beer.

Compensation is based on previous experience and starts at $21.68 per hour depending on previous experience, skills, and education/certifications. This position offers a career path up to $32.81/hour for our employees who successfully complete our internal training program to become a Quality Assurance Analyst along with several years of experience working with us. Additionally, we offer a $3.00 per hour shift differential for any hours worked between 6pm and 6am and additional opportunities for wage increases are also associated with cross-training, specialty certifications/licenses and promotional opportunities.

What You'll be Doing: As a member of the Deschutes Brewery Quality team you will learn multiple skills from well qualified co-owners and be able to apply that knowledge to your problem-solving teams, troubleshooting efforts and daily work. You will be working in a fast-paced, team environment where you will be working with minimal supervision and operating under GMP and Food Safety rules. Training provided!

Your daily work may include, but is not limited to:

  • Operate lab equipment: Beer analyzer, gas chromatograph, spectrometer, and Package Analyzer.
  • Conduct packaging line quality control checks, including container integrity checks, beer quality checks and packaging line audits; work with packaging operators to take corrective actions as needed.
  • Operate packaging inspection equipment on the packaging lines.
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain portable quality control equipment.
  • Beer analysis to determine alcohol content, total package oxygen, International Bittering Units measurements, wort color, etc.
  • Perform microbiology tasks such as media preparation, sample plating, equipment sterilization, etc.
  • Maintain and manage sensory samples and sensory library.
  • Communicate and report product nonconformities.
  • Support production schedule timeline with timely tank releases to packaging and start up checks for each production line.
  • General housekeeping in all areas the Quality team is responsible for.
  • Support Deschutes Brewery strategic initiatives and goals.
  • Additional job duties will change as needed to cover Quality Team operations and all internal and external customer needs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What You'll need for this Position:

  • Four-year college degree in Fermentation/Food Science or related disciplines OR at least 3 years of related manufacturing and/or lab experience OR a combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the position requirements.
  • Success working in a team environment, working with diverse personality and communication styles.
  • Ability to work independently and effective time management skills.
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in Packaging / Brewing.
  • Experience in a team-based production environment.
  • General lab experience, preferably either with analytical and/or microbiological focus.
  • Computer proficiency with Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Just some of the awesome perks of working for Deschutes Brewery:

  • Awesome co-workers!
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401k Match of 4% vested immediately!
  • 2 weeks paid vacation, 1 week sick leave, and paid holidays. 
  • "On Demand Pay" (get your money when you need it) available through DailyPay.
  • Employee stock ownership - be a part owner of Deschutes Brewery!
  • Pro deals with local companies.
  • Keg discounts.
  • Free beer for those 21+!

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact HR@deschutesbrewery.com to discuss your application.