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Coffee Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Klatch Coffee

Lab QC Manager

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software. * Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as ...

Klatch Coffee

Lab QC Manager

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software. * Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as ...

Klatch Coffee Inc

Lab QC Manager

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software. * Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as ...

Verve LLC

Coffee Trainer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth ... As needed, keep training lab immaculately organized and clean after each training. Order supplies ...

Verve LLC

Coffee Trainer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth ... As needed, keep training lab immaculately organized and clean after each training. Order supplies ...

Verve LLC

Coffee Trainer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth ... As needed, keep training lab immaculately organized and clean after each training. Order supplies ...

Verve LLC

Coffee Trainer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth ... As needed, keep training lab immaculately organized and clean after each training. Order supplies ...

Bellwether Coffee

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Our revolutionary electric, ventless commercial coffee roaster does not require gas lines or ... Hands-on prototyping and lab testing skills * Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable ...

Bellwether Coffee

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Our revolutionary electric, ventless commercial coffee roaster does not require gas lines or ... Hands-on prototyping and lab testing skills * Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable ...

Medical Solutions

Travel Cath Lab RN

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... coffee shops, food trucks, and nightlife 🌊 Easy weekend trips to Santa Monica, Venice Beach ... Cardiac Cath Lab About Medical Solutions At Medical Solutions, we're people who care, helping ...

Equator Coffees

Barista

Mill Valley, CA

$18/hr

Barista - Retail Cafe - Proof Lab CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Café General Manager ... Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise ...

Equator Coffees

Barista

Mill Valley, CA

$18/hr

Barista -Retail Cafe - Proof Lab CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Cafe General Manager ... Possessing an obsessive commitment to green coffee sourcing and unparalleled roasting expertise ...

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Coffee Lab information

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How much do coffee lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee lab in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a coffee lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a coffee lab often face challenges such as maintaining consistency in cupping and sensory evaluations, managing sample inventory, and adapting to evolving quality standards. Working closely with other team members, such as roasters and quality assurance staff, is essential to ensure accurate results and continuous improvement. Staying organized, participating in regular calibration sessions, and keeping up with industry trends can help address these challenges and contribute to both personal and team success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coffee lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coffee Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of coffee science, sensory analysis, and quality control, often supported by experience in coffee roasting or a related certification (e.g., SCA Coffee Skills Program). Familiarity with laboratory equipment, cupping protocols, and data management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure consistency and collaboration within the team. These skills are essential to maintain high product standards, drive innovation, and support continuous improvement in coffee quality.

What is a coffee lab?

A Coffee Lab is a specialized facility dedicated to the analysis, testing, and development of coffee products. These labs are used by coffee producers, roasters, and quality control professionals to evaluate coffee beans for attributes such as flavor, aroma, acidity, and consistency. Coffee Labs often conduct cupping sessions, research new brewing methods, and ensure quality standards are met throughout the coffee supply chain. They play a key role in maintaining high-quality coffee and supporting innovation in the industry.

What is the difference between Coffee Lab vs Barista?

AspectCoffee LabBarista
CredentialsOften requires specialized training or certifications in coffee scienceTypically requires basic barista training or no formal certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, coffee testing facilities, or specialty coffee shopsRetail coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants
Industry UsageUsed in coffee research, quality control, and product developmentCustomer service, beverage preparation, and sales
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in coffee quality and researchLearning about customer-facing coffee service roles

While a Coffee Lab focuses on coffee research, testing, and quality control, a Barista primarily prepares and serves coffee beverages to customers. Both roles are essential in the coffee industry but differ significantly in responsibilities, work environment, and required credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coffee Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Coffee Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Coffee Lab jobs in California? For Coffee Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coffee Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Coffee Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Coffee Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Coffee Lab job openings:
Coffee Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coffee Lab job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lab QC Manager

Klatch Coffee

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Primary Responsibilities
Lab Management & Quality Control
  • Oversee green coffee sample processes, including obtaining, receiving samples, sample roasting, cupping, and scoring using Cropster software.
  • Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment such as sample roasters, moisture meters, ColorTrac devices, water activity meters, brewers, and grinders.
  • Place purchase orders and approve invoices for green coffee and lab-related expenses.
  • Set up and Conduct regular coffee cupping and tasting sessions to evaluate flavor, aroma, and overall quality, ensuring products meet established QC standards.
  • Maintain detailed and up-to-date inventories of all coffee lots, tracking quantities and other relevant data.
  • Regularly update and maintain accurate records of time and temperature profiles for roasting.
  • Oversee logistics of releasing and transportation of coffee between warehouses
  • Communicate with production, Customer Service, Marketing on the status of inventory substitution , replacements and lots running out
Certifications & Compliance
  • Manage and maintain Organic Certification documentation (Google Drive and printed manuals).
  • Assist with SQF certification as part of the FSMS team and act as FSMS alternate
  • Perform traceability audits
  • Ensure all vendors comply with FSMS requirements.

Communicate with importers to obtain and verify certifications such as SQF, Organic, Fair Trade (FTO), and Rainforest Alliance.
Production Support
  • Create and maintain roasting profiles and blend recipes for production
  • Random Quality check on production roasts
  • Work with roasters to minimise failed goals in Cropster
  • Support production tasks, including order processing, shipping, and receiving when necessary
  • Serve as a backup production roaster when needed.
  • Forecast coffee demand for large orders and implement inventory management strategies.
Marketing & Collaboration
  • Provide marketing with accurate and relevant information about coffee lots, including origin, certifications, and flavor profiles.
  • Work with the team to create brewing and espresso extraction profiles and cupping notes.
Qualifications
  • Strong passion for coffee with a desire to learn and grow.
  • Strong multitasking and organizational skills.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Proficiency in Cropster, Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive, and Adobe.
  • Strong math skills essential for roasting and operational tasks.
  • Attention to detail with neat handwriting.
  • Team player attitude with a willingness to contribute across departments.
  • May involve international travel.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Pay: Depending on experience
  • Schedule: 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.

Salary Description
20.00 per hour to 30.00 per hour doe

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