Lab Technician, Coffee Product Development
About the role
Serve as a hands-on support role within the Coffee Product Development team, helping bring new coffee products to life through product testing, sample preparation, and sensory evaluations. Conduct routine laboratory operations with inventory management responsibilities, including maintaining ingredients and supplies, ensuring material traceability, and supporting product development activities. The ideal candidate enjoys organized, detail‑oriented work, thrives in a lab environment, and is passionate about supporting quality, innovation, and continuous improvement. Location: Orrville, OH Corporate Offices. Work Arrangements: 100% in office (M‑F).
Responsibilities
- Brew coffee samples and support quality assessments through product testing, flavor evaluation, and sensory review panels (cupping).
- Perform general lab maintenance, utilizing brewing appliances, recording data, labeling, and tracking samples.
- Order and maintain inventory of all ingredients (green coffee, flavors, etc.) for the team; manage purchase orders as necessary.
- Perform material traceability and software management within the inventory management system, CISPRO.
- Support the Product Development Team in formulation initiatives by preparing experimental formulations at the direction of project technical leads.
- Follow proper procedures for good laboratory practices (ensuring security, safety, GMP and quality).
- Support benchtop lab runs and assure proper testing methods are taking place in the lab and/or Pilot Research Lab (PRL).
- Perform standard operating procedures and test methods relevant to the job.
- Document, summarize, and report data from all product cuppings and studies; make special note of unexpected results or observations.
- Identify ways to improve methods and new ways to accomplish tasks leading to team efficiencies.
- Assist with customer visit and event logistics, as needed.
- Support Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Key Element initiatives and/or Quality programs.
Requirements
- High School Diploma
- 5+ years laboratory experience
- Task oriented, detailed, and organized
- Strong data keeping skills (data entry and reports)
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word
- Able to work independently and amongst a team
- Previous experience working in a laboratory environment, familiarity of good lab practices, and Serve Safe
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position
Qualifications
- Associate's degree in Science or related field
- Experience with routine lab work including inventory management responsibilities
Skills
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
- Data entry and reporting
- Inventory management
- Good laboratory practices (GMP, safety, Serve Safe)
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Strong organizational and detail‑oriented skills
- Ability to meet physical demands
Schedule
Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, with some remote flexibility. The role is based 100% in office at the Orrville, OH Corporate Offices (M‑F).