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, FitVine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Robert Hall, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate, Substance, ViNO, 209 Gin, and BrandyLab.

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.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

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 troubleshooting, and wine laboratory analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of CCPs, HACCP principles, food safety protocols, BRC regulatory standards, or other GFSI frameworks is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with CIP (Clean-In-Place) and sanitation standards, as well as product changeovers
• Understanding of quality control processes, including data collection, analysis, and documentation, or willingness to learn
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook is highly preferred
• Competence with software for data entry, tracking, and reporting (e.g., databases, Excel, or QC software)
• Familiarity with LEAN principles and continuous improvement practices
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions
• Attention to detail with strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical abilities
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects, manage priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of various teams and committees.
• Proven ability to manage priorities and workflow in a fast-paced environment.

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS:

O’Neill team members are Forward Thinkers. Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers who work as One Team to Always Deliver.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: 

• Sit or stand for prolonged periods.
• Perform some repetitive motion activities.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Lift, move, and stack boxes up to 40 lbs.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed onsite at our facility in Parlier, CA.
• Work is mainly performed both in a normal lab environment and indoors/outdoors
• Noise levels are usually moderate, but may be moderate to high at times
• A percentage of work time may be spent in a wine warehouse and cellar where temperatures are cool
• Floors may be wet and slippery; proper footwear is required

California Pay Transparency Notice: This position is classified as non-exempt. The compensation range for this role is $18.50 to $19/hour. Candidates are generally not hired at or near the maximum of the salary range. Final salary placement will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, education, relevant experience, and alignment with current market data.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) with a company match, Paid Time Off, holidays, and more.

O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, discipline, or discharge, are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

All employees must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. Without a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.