Lab Technician, Coffee Product Development

The J.M. Smucker Co.; Orrville (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. in Orrville, OH is seeking a Lab Technician for Product Development in Coffee R&D. This hands-on role supports testing, sample preparation, and sensory evaluations to bring new coffee products to life.

You will perform routine lab operations, manage inventory, ensure material traceability, and support formulation and optimization while maintaining GMP compliance and accurate data records.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• 5+ years laboratory experience.
• Basic MS Office skills (Excel, Word).
• Work Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Brew coffee samples and support quality assessments (cupping).
• Lab maintenance and data recording.
• Inventory management of ingredients; process purchase orders.
• Material traceability and CISPRO management.
• Support formulation initiatives under guidance of project leads.
• Follow GMP and safety procedures.
• Assist with benchtop lab runs and testing methods.
• Document cuppings and summarize reports.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data management

Excel

Word

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree in Science

Tools

CISPRO

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Lab Technician, Product Development, Coffee Research & Development

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)

In This Role You Will

• Brew coffee samples and support quality assessments through product testing, flavor evaluation, and sensory review panels (cupping).
• Performing 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 our inventory management system, CISPRO.
• Support Product Development Team in formulation initiatives by preparing experimental formulations at 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.

Minimum Requirements

What we are looking for:

• 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
• Work schedule will be Monday through Friday at 40 hours per week with some remote flexibility
• Ability to meet the physical demands of position

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

• Associate's degree in Science or related field
• Experience with routine lab work including inventory management responsibilities

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.