coffee quality technician III

Starbucks•Seattle, WA

82d

About The Position

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others. As a Coffee Quality Technician III, you will lead as a subject matter expert in coffee quality operations. The role encompasses managing high-volume roasting, conducting rigorous quality tests, and ensuring accurate data entry. You will leverage key metrics to drive continuous improvement, provide hands-on training, and troubleshoot daily quality processes. Additionally, you will champion innovation in roasting techniques and sensory evaluation, setting new standards for excellence across the organization.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in food science, quality, or related field.
Coffee experience: 2 years, including sensory evaluation and roasting.
Strong technical skills in coffee quality testing and equipment management.
Strong attention to detail, communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to balance multiple priorities and manage time effectively
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and handle confidential information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams.
Experience gathering, recording and reporting on operational and quality metrics, through manual or automated systems.
Ability to develop sensory skills including cupping.
Passionate about coffee quality, sensory evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Sample Management: Support prioritization of all samples, ensuring timely roasting, and cupping aligned with quality benchmarks. Establish and refine protocols for sample roasting and evaluation consistency. Works with green coffee warehouse partners to monitor and evaluate existing green coffee inventories. Consults with manufacturing and planning to determine dispositions for coffee.
Drive technical innovation: Identify and implement process improvements in quality workflows, data integrity, and operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new tools and methodologies. Elevate roasting techniques, cupping methodologies, and sensory evaluation practices to improve consistency and accuracy
Equipment Management: Oversee maintenance and calibration of roasting and quality testing equipment, ensuring compliance with global standards.
Daily cupping sessions: Participate in the daily cupping program and become approved Starbucks tasting expert.
Physical testing: Oversee and execute physical testing protocols including but not limited to: green grade, bean size, roasted color, and moisture per the standard operating procedures. Measurements to be recorded in relevant data systems
Database: Ensure timely and accurate data entry across all relevant systems (e.g., Oracle, Smartsheet, Excel), and lead efforts to improve data quality and reporting capabilities.

Benefits

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year.
Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools.
Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities.
You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement.
Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies.
This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative.
For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above.
For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.