Quality Control Analyst

Location: Louisville, KY (On-site)

Reports to: Senior Compliance Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

ABOUT CORNBREAD HEMP

Cornbread Hemp is a Louisville-based, USDA-certified organic hemp company on a mission to produce the highest quality wellness products in the country. We are a pioneer of Kentucky-grown hemp, and everything we do is rooted in craftsmanship, transparency, and integrity.

We are a high-growth company in a dynamic and evolving industry. Our team is passionate, entrepreneurial, and deeply committed to what we're building. If you want to be part of something meaningful at a company where your work matters and your voice is heard, we'd love to talk.

THE ROLE

The Quality Control Analyst is a science-first, hands-on position for someone who understands that the highest quality wellness products start long before they reach the customer.

Cornbread Hemp is at a pivotal moment in the hemp industry. We are a high-growth company navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, and this role requires someone who can hold the standard when everything around them is moving fast. You will be the eyes and ears of our quality program that works alongside the Senior Compliance Manager and Director of Research and Development to build systems, sharpen processes, and ensure that every product leaving this facility reflects the integrity we are known for.

You will own quality control across the full production cycle, support new product development from bench to shelf, and serve as an essential partner to every department in the building. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives in a fast-moving environment, takes pride in precision, and wants to do work that genuinely helps people.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Quality Observations & Product Integrity

• Perform routine checks at determined points throughout the production process
• Taste sampling, texture and color evaluations, and analytical reporting will be administered
• Reviews for both internal and external production runs
• Your observations are the baseline for everything we ship

Compliance Upkeep

• Ensure the most up-to-date regulations are observed under direction from the Senior Compliance Manager
• Help structure the QC program to meet the evolving demands of organic certification, GMP compliance, and applicable federal and state standards

• Work in tandem with the Senior Compliance Manager and Director of Research and Development to establish a comprehensive, continuously improving QC program
• Methods and procedures are updated regularly to reflect changes in process or regulatory requirements
• Perform label reviews on each new packaging iteration, ensuring all materials meet label standards, product specifications, and applicable compliance requirements

Product Development Support

• Work closely with the Director of Research and Development on new product development
• Collaboration in establishing specifications, assisting with bench-top applications, and supporting compliance document creation from concept through launch

Data Analysis & Sample Control

• Collect and analyze data from throughout the production process and from direct input gathered by the Customer Experience team. Your analysis informs process adjustments and contributes to the ongoing improvement of our products
• Obtain, log, store, and manage retain samples collected throughout the production cycle, ensuring proper documentation for observation across a product's full lifecycle
• Coordinate with the Inventory Coordinator to gather ingredient and product sample retains, confirming all inputs meet our sensory specifications with logged observations before moving forward in the process

Workplace Organization, Equipment Operation & Calibration

• Effectively operate analytical equipment including but not limited to GC, HPLC, scales, microscopes, and sensory analyzers and perform routine maintenance
• Ensure all equipment across departments maintains calibration per manufacturer specifications
• Keep equipment, lab areas, storage, logs, and documentation organized and audit-ready for regulatory authorities at all times

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or equivalent field
• 5+ years of experience in a quality assurance laboratory or similar program
• Demonstrated ability to learn and operate analytical instrumentation including GC and HPLC
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and record-keeping skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication; experience with Google Suite or similar platforms preferred
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, growing environment
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and willing to consume hemp products

Strongly Preferred

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or a related field
• Experience in a food, supplement, or confectionery laboratory
• Background in sensory evaluation or product development support
• Familiarity with evolving hemp and CBD regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Certified Organic production environments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to regularly lift and carry at least 50 lbs.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Health, dental, and vision benefits with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• 401(k) plan
• Employee discount on Cornbread Hemp products
• Paid training and competitive hourly wages
• Opportunities for professional growth within a high-growth company

Join Cornbread Hemp and be a key part of our mission to deliver the highest quality hemp products in the country. Grow with us in a culture built on integrity, craftsmanship, and humility. Apply now and become part of something that matters.

Cornbread Hemp is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.