qa and r&d manager

location: in person - east boston, ma (in the boston harbor shipyard) - wfh days are available

pay rate: $115,000-$140,000 annually and an annual bonus up to 20% of base salary

mission of the role:

this role is responsible for both the development and the quality of all of our products, with the help of 2 technologists and 1 development specialist. this role ensures the production of a safe, consistent, in-spec, and regulatory-compliant portfolio of products within our own facility and within our contract manufacturing facilities. this role also manages the development and redevelopment of all products, both for in-house production and contract-manufactured production.

our quality lab has a team of 2 quality-focused technicians, and our research and development team consists of  1 specialist. the manager of these people will have a deep understanding of food safety, chemistry, microbiology, and process capabilities, along with a demonstrated ability to lead QA/QC and R&D initiatives, and the experience to train and develop their team.

what you’ll do:

• ensure that all products we produce are safe, within established specifications, and of a quality level that meets or exceeds our developed standards
• manage product shelf lives and their quality throughout the stated shelf life.
• manage the projects tied to product development and redevelopment, partnering with the commercial team to determine priorities and timelines
• lead 2 lab technicians with a focus on the management and continued development of the Quality team and quality management system as a whole
• coach 1 research and development specialist as they produce new formulas and optimise existing formulas
• oversee calibration, training, and maintenance of lab instruments and equipment
• advocate for quality systems facility-wide and offer cross-functional support to other departments that interface with quality
• develop and own a GMP program, promoting good manufacturing and hygienic practices

who you are:

you have a deep understanding of food safety, chemistry, microbiology, and process capabilities. you possess a demonstrated ability to lead QA/QC and R&D initiatives, along with the experience needed to train and develop your team. you bring 5–7 years of experience in quality or R&D roles in the food and beverage industry or an equivalent scientific or microbiological-based role. you have a degree in biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, food science, or something related.

you have experience developing, delivering, and maintaining a comprehensive quality management system (qms). you are a detail-oriented, organized, and data-focused leader who can effectively flex priorities and communicate with the team to support the needs of production and packaging.

bonus points if you:

• fda and ttb regulatory exposure
• familiarity with reading and interpreting the CFR
• recall program experience

don’t meet every requirement?

we know there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply with a one-page cover letter explaining why this opportunity speaks to you. skip the “to whom it may concern” and tell us straight—why you?

what we offer:

unlimited pto

paid holidays

paid sick days

paid bereavement leave

paid parental leave

401(k) with 4% company match

health & dental insurance from day one

company-provided short-term disability coverage

annual ppe stipend

cider allowance (how big is your fridge?)

all offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background check, conducted after a conditional job offer has been made. candidates will have the opportunity to review and respond to any findings.

about downeast cider:

we first started fermenting batches of cider up at bates college in 2011.we have a few more teammates now. you can now buy our cider in tens of thousands of retailers, not just a couple of bars in central maine. it takes us 15 minutes to make a pallet of cider, not the 12 hours it took in the early days.  we’re diversifying beyond cider. but our aim remains the same:

we aspire to be an enduring company. if we create value for our customers, we create value for ourselves through fulfilling work and robust compensation. to do this requires a world class brand, and a world class team.  

we define our culture by seven principles. you can read more about those principles here.

we like to hire the way we like our cider, unfiltered. with the understanding that we can learn and grow from each other’s differences, we are proud to hire regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or anything else that makes us who we are.