product development assistant, Food R&D

Starbucks; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Tuition coverage (Starbucks College)

Job summary

Starbucks is seeking a Product Development Assistant to support food R&D activities in our Seattle office. You will handle shipments, organize samples, and assist with shelf-life studies and data reporting for product developers.

This role requires an associate degree or higher in Food Science or related fields, plus food/beverage prep experience; barista experience is a plus. Strong organization and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Food Science, Culinary or related fields.
• Food and beverage preparation experience; barista experience is a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and basic math/science competencies.

Responsibilities

• Handle shipments and organize samples as they arrive.
• Keep R&D kitchen and labs stocked and organized for projects.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and report results to product developers.

Skills

MS Office

Math & Science basics

Organizational skills

Clear verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree or higher in Food Science, Culinary or related fields

Tools

Sample handling equipment

Laboratory organization

Job description

Now Brewing – product development assistant, Food R&D! #tobeapartner

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.

This is an opportunity to support the team who imagines, develops, commercializes, and optimizes food at Starbucks. In R&D, we aspire to be the indisputable leader in breakthrough innovation. Our mission is to create food and beverage experiences that nurture love, connection, and inspiration for people every day. Come join our team and help create amazing foods that will surprise and delight our customers and make our baristas proud to serve them!

As a Product Development Assistant, you will…

• Handling incoming and outgoing shipments, opening boxes and organizing samples as they arrive
• Monitoring and keeping all the food R&D kitchen and labs organized and stocked as needed for project work.
• Conducting shelf-life studies from storing samples to setting up testing and reporting results to the product developers
• Gathering and reporting analytical data as needed for project work.
• Preparing for and supporting tastings, including product guidance and other sensory tests
• Assisting with presentations and product samplings for leadership as needed

We’d Love To Hear From People With

• An associate degree or higher in Food Science, Culinary or other related fields
• Food and beverage preparation experience. Barista experience a plus

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft office programs
• Basic knowledge of math and science
• Good organizational skills, ability to multi-task.
• Ability to follow direction, seek guidance as necessary and provide regular progress report.
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service with attention to details
• Ability to build positive and effective working relationships with other team members

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.

This role is in-office 5 days a week.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation or 1(888) 611-2258.