Roaster Operator

Jobot; Lenoir City (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is hiring a Roaster Operator to join our Lenoir City, TN coffee production team. You will operate roasting equipment, follow recipes, and monitor quality to ensure consistent flavor and color. This on-site role offers a stable, permanent position with opportunities for overtime.

We're seeking candidates with at least two years in production, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus in our diverse facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum two years of production-related experience.
• Experience in food and beverage production preferred; coffee roasting desirable.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot production equipment.
• Ability to operate a forklift.
• Understanding of coffee roasting processes and cupping concepts.
• Ability to read recipes and follow production instructions.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Comfort with computer routines and production software.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Operations Manager and safely operate coffee roasting equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
• Roast green coffee according to production schedules, customer requirements, and established recipes.
• Clean, set up, operate, monitor, and shut down roasting machinery, following equipment care and fire-prevention procedures.
• Monitor roasting parameters and adjust control-panel settings to meet color, moisture, and taste specifications.
• Troubleshoot basic to moderate operating problems and perform minor equipment repairs.
• Inspect equipment, monitor overall performance, and report deviations or maintenance needs.
• Inspect finished product and collect samples to verify conformance with quality standards.
• Direct loading of green coffee tanks to ensure correct quantities and recipes.
• Maintain accurate production records and activity logs.
• Monitor scrap and identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve yields, and prevent quality defects.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance and equipment cleaning once trained and certified.
• Maintain a clean, safe roasting area and coordinate activities within that area.
• Communicate order fulfillment, roasting, and maintenance requirements to plant management.
• Work with Quality, Planning, Processing, Maintenance, and Logistics to support production.
• Follow the Food Safety Plan, quality SOPs, and company safety requirements; report unsafe conditions promptly.
• Assist with periodic inventory counts and unloading green coffee as requested.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Basic math

Recipes & measurements

Basic computer skills

Follow production procedures

Physical fitness

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Roaster Operator

$22 - $28 per hour | Lenoir City, TN | On-site | Permanent

Roaster Operator | $22–$28/Hour DOE | Coffee Production & Equipment Troubleshooting | Lenoir City, TN

A bit about us:

Founded in 2020 with roots dating back nearly four decades, and with a manufacturing operation based in Lenoir City, TN, we are a global food and beverage ingredients business producing quality products for customers worldwide. Our local team specializes in coffee and tea manufacturing, combining specialized production equipment with a commitment to food safety and consistent product quality. We offer a family-first culture and affordable benefits within an international organization.

Why join us?

• Affordable Benefits: Access to low-cost employee benefits.
• Family-First Culture: Work with a team that values employees and their families.
• Specialized Manufacturing Experience: Develop technical knowledge of coffee roasting, process adjustments, and sensory evaluation.
• Global Company Resources: Join a local production operation backed by an international food and beverage business.
• Hands-On Ownership: Take responsibility for roasting quality, equipment performance, and production results.

Schedule

Regular shift to be confirmed. Flexibility for overtime, weekends, and holidays is required.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Report to the Operations Manager and safely operate coffee roasting equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
• Roast green coffee according to production schedules, customer requirements, and established recipes.
• Clean, set up, operate, monitor, and shut down roasting machinery, following equipment care and fire-prevention procedures.
• Monitor roasting parameters and adjust control-panel settings to meet color, moisture, and taste specifications.
• Troubleshoot basic to moderate operating problems and perform minor equipment repairs.
• Inspect equipment, monitor overall performance, and report deviations or maintenance needs.
• Inspect finished product and collect samples to verify conformance with quality standards.
• Direct loading of green coffee tanks to ensure correct quantities and recipes.
• Maintain accurate production records and activity logs.
• Monitor scrap and identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve yields, and prevent quality defects.
• Perform operator-level preventive maintenance and equipment cleaning once trained and certified.
• Maintain a clean, safe roasting area and coordinate activities within that area.
• Communicate order fulfillment, roasting, and maintenance requirements to plant management.
• Work with Quality, Planning, Processing, Maintenance, and Logistics to support production.
• Follow the Food Safety Plan, quality SOPs, and company safety requirements; report unsafe conditions promptly.
• Assist with periodic inventory counts and unloading green coffee as requested.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications Needed

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum two years of production-related experience required.
• Food and beverage production experience strongly preferred; previous coffee roasting experience desired.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot production equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Ability to operate a forklift required.
• Understanding of coffee bean bulk density, particle size, and roast degree characteristics required.
• Ability to distinguish flavors and scents and participate in cupping evaluations required.
• Basic math skills, including calculations using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and different units of measure.
• Comfort with basic computer functions and ability to learn production software.
• Ability to follow recipes and repeat production processes precisely.
• Ability to identify and communicate root causes of product defects or equipment deficiencies.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to make decisions while working with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow food safety procedures and maintain safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand throughout the shift, and bend, stretch, kneel, squat, and climb stairs or ladders.
• Vision, hearing, communication, and color-perception capabilities needed to monitor equipment and evaluate product quality.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Background Check

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.