Q Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role is aligned to the Coffee Operating Unit

Location: 30 Gauthier Drive,Essex Junction,Vermont,05452

• N1 | 5:55 PM – 6:15 AM Monday-Wednesday and alternating Thursdays. Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidays is required as scheduled.  

As a Roaster I, you will play a key role in maintaining the continuous flow of coffee production within our Spartanburg facility. This position is responsible for operating and monitoring roasting, grinding, and coffee delivery systems while ensuring quality, safety, and production standards are consistently met.

You will develop a strong understanding of green coffee, roasting techniques, decaffeination processes, and coffee blending while gaining hands-on experience with automated roasting equipment and software systems. This role also supports cross-functional teamwork within the mini Business Unit (mBU) and provides operational support across all processing activities.

• Deliver best-in-class performance across safety, quality, delivery, and productivity metrics
• Monitor roasting, grinding, and coffee delivery systems to ensure uninterrupted production
• Perform in-line quality testing using particle distribution analyzers and color sampling equipment
• Monitor and adjust roasts to ensure compliance with company specifications
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with 6S standards
• Conduct behavioral safety observations and support a culture of workplace safety
• Coordinate with scheduling and operations teams to support production flow
• Perform Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventative Maintenance (PM) activities with maintenance support
• Provide operational support across all activities within the mBU

• Support the site’s Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives
• Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement events
• Partner with maintenance teams to execute preventative maintenance activities
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives that cross functional teams

• Support plant and zone board meetings and help identify operational trends and action plans
• Communicate effectively during shift transitions and across departments
• Demonstrate teamwork, accountability, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Provide constructive feedback and contribute to a high-performing team culture

• Starting pay: $25.26 per hour. Pay increases to $26.52 per hour in the quarter after their 6-month anniversary.

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Experience operating or monitoring complex automated equipment such as roasters, blenders, or grinders
• Minimum 2 years of Quality Assurance and/or Quality Control experience; HACCP experience preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, SAP, and Manufacturing Execution Systems preferred
• Experience with production scheduling, planning, or inventory control systems preferred
• Willingness to pursue coffee industry certifications such as Q-Grader or SCAA certifications
• Strong communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Self-motivated team player with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 75 pounds frequently without assistance
• Ability to stand, bend, stretch, and perform repetitive movements throughout the shift
• Ability to frequently kneel, squat, stoop, twist, and reach overhead
• Ability to spend extended periods on the manufacturing floor with occasional computer work

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.