QC Tech I

Rack & Riddle is the #1 custom sparkling wine producer in the US. With a legacy of creating sparkling wines for wineries of all sizes, the company pairs traditional methods with modern innovation. Founded in 2007, the company delivers turnkey sparkling wine solutions and custom brands, including Méthode Champenoise, CALSECCO®, Charmat style wines, flavors, and no and low alcohol wines. Production spans three world-class Sonoma County facilities, reflecting Rack & Riddle’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and long-term partnerships.

Guided by our core values of uncompromising quality, innovative solutions, excellent customer service, employee focus, and collaborative partnerships, our team brings the same care and craftsmanship to every client relationship and every colleague.

Rack & Riddle is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This role's compensation is anticipated to fit within the stated range. These figures represent what we reasonably expect to pay for this position, but the actual compensation offered will depend on numerous job-related factors, including but not limited to candidate skills, knowledge, and education.

Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services, the #1 custom sparkling wine producer in the United States, is seeking to add an Quality Control Technician I to our team.

The Quality Control Technician I is an entry-level position responsible for performing quality inspections, monitoring production operations, conducting routine testing, and documenting results to ensure products meet company, regulatory, and customer specifications. This role supports production through quality verification, effective communication, and accurate recordkeeping. The QC Technician I is expected to identify quality concerns, initiate hold procedures when necessary, and escalate issues for further investigation. This position has the authority to stop production when product quality, safety, or compliance requirements are at risk so understanding the parameters to assess this is an important part of the role.

Essential Responsibilities

· Perform pre-production inspections of packaging materials including glass, labels, closures, cartons, and other packaging components.

· Verify production materials, labels, and work orders match approved specifications before production begins.

· Conduct routine quality control checks during bottling, disgorging, and canning operations.

· Monitor fill levels, torque, vacuum, label placement, coding, package appearance, and other critical quality attributes.

· Perform physical quality tests including torque, vacuum, fill volume, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other required analyses.

· Conduct routine laboratory testing and sample collection as assigned.

· Collect, label, organize, and maintain retained samples in accordance with company procedures.

· Complete quality documentation accurately and maintain production records in a timely manner.

· Identify non-conforming materials or products and initiate QC hold procedures when required.

· Communicate quality concerns to Production, Winemaking, and QC leadership.

· Support harvest quality activities including Brix, temperature, and other production-related measurements as needed.

· Clean and maintain QC equipment, instruments, and work areas.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following all company safety policies.

· Exercise stop-work authority whenever product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, or employee safety may be compromised.

Requirements

The successful candidate's background includes:

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· No prior wine industry experience required. Experience in manufacturing, food and beverage production, laboratory, or quality assurance environments is preferred.

· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

· Ability to follow established procedures and accurately complete documentation.

· Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Physical requirement: ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

· Physical requirement: ability to work in cold, wet, noisy, and fast-paced production environments.