R&D Quality and Brewing Co-op at Boston Beer in Boston, MA

Job description

About the Role We're looking for a motivated and hands-on Co-op to join our Brewing and Quality team, supporting quality testing, brewing operations, and production activities at the Boston Brewery. This 6-month co-op position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in brewing, fermentation science, and quality assurance within a fast-paced R&D environment. Working closely with our Quality and Brewing teams, you'll contribute to daily testing and brewery operations while developing technical skills and a deeper understanding of the brewing process from raw materials through finished product. This is a full-time, on-site position 6:30 am – 2:30 pm Monday through Friday at our Boston Brewery location in Jamaica Plain, MA. This position is a part of our 6-month Co-op Program, running from January 4, 2027, through June 25, 2027. Key Responsibilities Quality Assurance & Laboratory Testing Perform daily quality testing, including cell counts, fermentation tracking, and chemical analysis of beer and beverage products. Collect production samples and maintain accurate quality assurance records and laboratory data. Assist with data entry and reporting to support quality monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and readiness for daily operations. Brewing Operations Support brewing operations, including cleaning and sanitizing tanks and brewing equipment Assist Brewing and Quality teams in maintaining product quality and operational excellence throughout the production process. Follow established safety, quality, and sanitation procedures at all times. Support packaging activities, including keg filling and canning line operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality and production standards. Participate in special projects and operational initiatives as assigned. Qualifications Required Qualifications Must be 21 years of age or older. Currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Brewing, or a related field. Previous co-op experience or coursework involving wet laboratory techniques. Must continue to be enrolled in school after the completion of the co-op. Experience with Microsoft Excel. Able to be on your feet for extended periods; able to lift at least 40 lbs. Able to work safely within the laboratory and brewing environments by following SOPs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and safety requirements. Excellent organizational skills, time management abilities, and attention to detail Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with brewing operations, fermentation processes, and brewery sanitation practices. Experience working in a laboratory, manufacturing, or production environment. Experience collecting, analyzing, and compiling technical or quality-related data. Homebrewing experience. What You'll Gain Hands-on experience in brewing operations, fermentation science, and quality assurance within a commercial brewery environment. Practical exposure to daily laboratory testing, quality analysis, and production support activities. A deeper understanding of the brewing process, from fermentation management through packaging and finished product quality. Daily mentorship, training, and technical development from the R&D QA Manager, R&D Quality Technologist, and Head Brewer, including regular one-on-one meetings Opportunities to shadow other R&D teams and gain exposure to different areas of the business. Cross-functional learning experiences through weekly co-op meetings and interactions with departments across the organization. Development of technical, analytical, and professional skills that prepare students for careers in brewing, quality assurance, food and beverage manufacturing, and research & development. The Boston Beer Company may use AI