Lab Technician, Coffee Product Development

The J.M. Smucker Company; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The J. M. Smucker Co. in Orrville, OH is seeking a Lab Technician for Product Development, Coffee Research & Development. The role focuses on hands-on lab support, sample prep, cupping, and data reporting, within a 100% in-office schedule (M-F).

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of lab experience, be detail oriented, and able to manage ingredients, inventory, and testing methods in a GMP environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; 5+ years in a laboratory setting.
• Must be task oriented, detail focused and organized.
• Strong data keeping and reporting skills (data entry).
• Basic Excel/Word skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Experience in lab practices and Serve Safe is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Brew coffee samples and evaluate quality through cupping.
• Maintain general lab cleanliness and manage labeling/tracking.
• Oversee inventory of ingredients and process purchase orders.
• Use CISPRO for material traceability and inventory management.
• Support formulation initiatives and prepare experimental blends.
• Follow GMP, safety procedures and lab SOPs.
• Document data from cuppings and studies; note anomalies.
• Assist with customer visits and health, safety, and environment programs.

Skills

Detail oriented

Data management

Team player

Lab equipment handling

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree in Science or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

CISPRO

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.

What we are looking for:

Minimum 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

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 #LI-KK1

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. We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live. We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success. Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose At Smucker, we’re passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Learn more about working at Smucker Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company. Learn more about our hiring process The J. M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.