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Coffee Lab Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Vale Concepts

Fluid Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Prior experience with food or beverage equipment, coffee or espresso machines, automated dispensing systems, lab automation, medical devices, chemical/process systems, robotics, or high-throughput ...

Vale Concepts

Fluid Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA

$90 - $140/hr

Prior experience with food or beverage equipment, coffee or espresso machines, automated dispensing systems, lab automation, medical devices, chemical/process systems, robotics, or high-throughput ...

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All JobsCoffee Lab JobsCoffee Lab Jobs in Seattle, WA

Coffee Lab information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$28

$51

How much do coffee lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for coffee lab in Seattle, WA is $28.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $31.73 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 popular job titles related to Coffee Lab jobs in Seattle, WA? For Coffee Lab jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coffee Lab jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Coffee Lab jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Coffee Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coffee Lab job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,765 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Manufacturing Quality Control Technician

Cascade Coffee, LLC

Everett, WA

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

What does it take to create 1.7 BILLION cups of coffee a year?
Ask Cascade Coffee!
We are excited to announce that we are hiring a detail-oriented Quality Control Technician!
For more than 45 years Cascade Coffee has been the premier specialty coffee contract manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Specializing in roasting, grinding, flavoring, and packaging coffee, catering to the world’s finest coffee brands worldwide. Cascade works behind the scenes to provide innovation, world-class coffee roasting, and a wide variety of packaging options to highlight their loyal customer’s brands.
Founded in 1977, the company operates from a 175,000 square foot manufacturing and roasting facility, more than 2 million pounds of green coffee storage facility, 50 million pounds annually of coffee roasting capacity as well as multiple roasting lines, flavor mixing systems and 14 automated packaging lines.
Why Cascade?
We offer a unique blend of benefits for you and your family!
WAGE RANGE (NON-EXEMPT): $20.00 - $24.00
SCHEDULE:
3rd Shift: Monday - Friday; 10:30 PM - 7:00 AM
Weekend Shift: Friday - Sunday; 6:30 am - 7:00 pm (Work 36 hours to receive pay for 40 hours)
REPORTS TO: Quality Control Supervisor
  • Healthcare benefits | Multiple coverage levels of medical, dental, and vision plans
  • 401k Roth or Pre-Tax options | $1 for $1 match and once eligible to enroll, ZERO vesting period
  • Long Term Disability and life insurance | Company provides coverage for all
  • Voluntary Life, Disability, Accident amp; Critical Illness | Various insurance programs are offered to support your needs
  • Employee Assistance Program | To support you and your family’s overall wellbeing to achieve your best and most productive self
  • Sick and Vacation plans | Cascade understands the vital importance of a quality work/life balance
  • Pet insurance | Multiple coverage levels for whatever best suits your furry (or not so furry) friend
  • Cascade Cares | Exciting engagement programs each month
  • Leadership Training | We invest in and dedicate time to training some of the best leaders in the industry
POSITION SUMMARY:
The QC Technician is an integral part of the Food Safety and Quality team and will function as an internal and external auditor for the facility based on company requirements. The QC technician interfaces directly with the QC Supervisor on all quality control and compliance issues and assesses compliance with quality standards and initiatives. This requires working closely with the production department.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Administer Cascade policies and procedures and carry out personnel objectives and programs within the Quality Assurance department.
  • Coordinates with Quality and Production Supervisors on various quality issues.
  • Conducts daily plant inspections for any GMP/Product Protection violations.
  • Assists production in filling out all necessary QC paperwork.
  • Monitor defined checks/tests to ensure product conformance on the customer-established cadence.
  • Perform laboratory testing according to customer specifications, including, but not limited to, weight checks, leak tests, and oxygen/headspace tests.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues utilizing quality tools (cause and effect, process mapping, statistical methods, etc.) to document corrective actions effectively.
  • Document standards in compliance with good manufacturing practices, government entities, and production plans (e.g., USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF, Organic, Kosher, etc.). Ensure compliance with all regulatory mandates.
  • Audit production processes and the food Safety and Quality Management system. Record, document, and evaluate consistency to customer and SQF expectations.
  • Responsible for collecting customer samples, external laboratory testing, and internal retain samples.
  • Upholds and provides safe, high-quality, consistent products, and superior services that anticipate, meet, or exceed the requirements of our customers.
  • Collect foreign material findings and record findings in appropriate software.
  • Supports Cascade Coffee’s Food Safety Culture by adhering to all company policies and procedures and following proper protocol when a Food Safety risk is identified.
  • Performs any other duties/tasks that may be assigned as needed.
  • Attend all shift huddles (pre- and post- shift).
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum 1-year practical industry experience.
  • HACCP certified
  • Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), SQF Level 2 standards, Food Safety and Quality programs.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge and experience using Microsoft products (e.g., Office 365, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work with lab equipment, such as moisture meters, brewers, grinders, Agtron, Malvern, and Mocon instruments.
  • Self-motivation, ability to work independently and within a team environment, strong follow-up, organization, prioritization, and attention to detail are required.
  • Ability to work under pressure (in a highly fast-paced environment), meet deadlines (overtime work required), and make effective decisions.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • This position is inside a warehouse roasting facility, where workers are exposed to loud equipment noise, coffee dust, and strong odors.
  • Personal protection equipment and other Good Manufacturing Practices are mandatory.
  • This position may support work in the facility that requires standing on concrete floors, exposed to equipment noise, and subject to coffee dust odors.
WORK HABITS:
  • Regular attendance and promptness are required for this position.
  • Work may be required outside the standard workweek.
  • This job requires a high degree of teamwork skills.
  • This job requires the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
Cascade coffee is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We celebrate our differences because we believe diversity drives innovation and leads to sustainable success. We recruit, hire and promote our partners based on capability and performance, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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